Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic extract of leaves of Mimosa pudica linn in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic injury in albino rats

Abstract

Background: The Mimosa pudica , invites attention of the researchers all over the world for its different pharmacological activities such as anti-diabetic, antitoxin, antioxidant and wound healing activities. In the present study we investigated the hepatoprotective effects of ethanolic extract of leaves of Mimosa pudica linn against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic injury in albino rats. Methods: Liver damage in rats treated with CCl4 (1ml/kg /bw), administered subcutaneously, on alternate days for one week) was studied by assessing parameters such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin (total and direct). Silymarin (100mg/kg) was used as the standard drug. The effects of ethanolic extract of Mimosa pudica (400mg/kg) was observed on the following parameters. One group was given both ethanolic extract of Mimosa pudica and Silymarin to observe if there was any additive effect. In addition to biochemical parameters liver weight and histological sections were also studied. The statistical analysis of data was done by using one way ANOVA followed by Dunnet’s t test. Results: Administration of ethanolic extract of Mimosa pudica significantly prevented carbon tetrachloride induced elevation of serum SGOT, SGPT, ALP and bilirubin (total and direct) level. Histological examination of the liver section revealed improved hepatic architecture, after administration of Mimosa pudica . The results were comparable to that of Silymarin. No additive effect was observed. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates hepatoprotective effect of Mimosa pudica in carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury.