Hepatoprotective potential of aqueous extract of Butea monosperma against CCl4 induced damage in rats

Aqueous extract of flowers of Butea monosperma (Fabaceae) was evaluated at different dose levels (200, 400, 800 mg/kg, p.o.) for its protective efficacy against CCl4 (1.5 ml/kg i.p.) induced acute liver injury to validate its use in traditional medicines. The CCl4 administration altered various biochemical parameters, including serum transaminases, protein, albumin, hepatic lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione and total protein levels, which were restored towards control by therapy of B. monosperma Adenosine triphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase activity in the liver were decreased significantly in CCl4 treated animals. Therapy of B. monosperma showed its protective effect on biochemical and histopathological alterations at all the three doses in dose dependent manner. B. monosperma extract possess modulatory effect on drug metabolizing enzymes as it significantly decreased the hexobarbitone induced sleep time and increased excretory capacity of liver which was measured by BSP retention. Histological studies also supported the biochemical finding and maximum improvement in the histoarchitecture was seen at higher dose of BM extract.