Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activity of Lagenaria siceraria Aerial parts

Introduction:Lagenaria siceraria is traditionally used in liver disorders and various free radicals induced diseases. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of the aerial parts of L. siceraria methanol extract (MELS). Methods: DPPH, nitric oxide, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxide free radical scavenging activity, reductive ability and total phenolic and flavonoid content of MELS were determined. Hepatoprotective activity of the extract was investigated against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Results: The results explored significant in vitro antioxidant activity of MELS. It also showed potent hepatoprotective activity in rat, which was evident from its significant effect on the levels of serum biomarker enzymes and total protein & bilirubin. Significant improvement of the endogenous antioxidant status by the treatment of MELS further reflects its hepatoprotective potential, which was finally substantiated by the histological studies of the liver tissues. Conclusion: The results reveal potent hepatoprotective activity of MELS which is probably attributed to its significant free radical scavenging activity and high polyphenolic and flavonoid contents.