Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of Hybanthus enneaspermus against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats

The hepatoprotective, curative and anti-oxidant properties of aqueous extract of Hybanthus enneaspermus (Violaceae) used against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats were investigated in the present study. Liver damage was induced by CCl4 (1 ml/kg i.p.), and silymarin was used as a standard drug to compare hepatoprotective, curative and antioxidant effects of the extract. Rats were treated with aqueous extract of H. enneaspermus at a dose of either 200 or 400 mg/kg after division into pre-treatment (once daily for 14 days before CCl4 intoxication) and post-treatment (2, 6, 24 and 48 h after CCl4 intoxication) groups. Pre-treatment and post-treatment with aqueous extract of H. enneaspermus showed significant hepatoprotection by reducing the aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activities and total bilirubin levels which had been raised by CCl4 administration. Pre- and post-treatment with aqueous extract significantly decreased hepatic lipid peroxidation as well as producing a corresponding increase in tissue total thiols. Post-treatment with aqueous extract improved ceruloplasmin levels. The histopathological examination of rat liver sections treated with aqueous extract confirms the serum biochemical observations. The present study results demonstrate the protective, curative and anti-oxidant effects of H. enneaspermus aqueous extract used against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, and suggest a potential therapeutic use of H. enneaspermus as an alternative for patients with acute liver diseases.