Protective effect of Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw. (Lygodiaceae) against d-galactosamine induced liver injury in rats

The protective effect of Lygodium flexuosum n-hexane extract against d-galactosamine was evaluated in Wistar rats. In preventive groups extract was administered at 48, 24 and 2 h before d-galactosamine intoxication whereas in post-treatment groups extract were administered 2, 24 and 48 h after d-galactosamine intoxication. Rats pre-treated with n-hexane extract at a dose of 200 and 100 mg/kg of Lygodium flexuosum showed a significant prevention of elevated AST, ALT, LDH levels and hepatic malondialdehyde in d-galactosamine treated rats. Hepatic glutathione levels significantly upregulated by the extract treatment in d-galactosamine treated rats. Quantification of histopathological sections supported the preventive action of n-hexane extract of Lygodium flexuosum. Rats treated with the extract at a dose of 200 and 100 mg/kg Lygodium flexuosum after the establishment of d-galactosamine induced liver injury showed complete protection of liver as evidenced from normal AST, ALT and LDH levels, hepatic GSH and MDA levels and also by normal histological index of liver in treated rats. Rats treated with n-hexane extract of Lygodium flexuosum were comparable to that of Silymarin, the standard hepatoprotective drug.