Potential hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of Gracilaria corticata in AFB1 hepatoxicity in wistar rats

Abstract

The hepatoprotective activity of the marine algae Gracilaria corticata was investigated against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced hepatotoxicity. AFB1 (1 ppm) induced hepatic damage was studied by assessing parameters such as body weight gain, liver weight total protein, albumin and enzyme markers viz., transaminases (SGOT and SGPT), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The effect of co-administration of aqueous extract of G. corticata on the above parameter was further investigated. Hepatic damage was evidenced by significant (p<0.05) decreased level of body weight gain, liver weight, total protein and albumin. Co administration of rats with the aqueous extract of G. corticata showed a tendency to attain near normalcy. Elevated levels of total bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, LDH and ALP in aflatoxin B1 intoxicated rats were restored to normal level in the rats treated with aqueous extract (250 mg kg-1 body weight) and aflatoxin B1. Thus the study substantiates the hepatoprotective potential of aqueous extract of G. corticata. © 2008 Asian Network for Scientific Information.