Evaluation of hepatoprotective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Momordica charantia leaves in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats

Abstract

Liver carries out a variety of physiological functions and protects against damaging drugs and chemicals. Herbs have been shown to play a major role in the management of various liver disorders. Due to the lack of effective liver protective medication in modern medicine, several herbal options for the treatment of liver diseases in Ayurveda are suggested. In this current study, we evaluated the hepatoprotective action of Momordica charantialeaf extract in comparison to Liv-52, a standard hepatoprotective drug.In Wistar rats, hepatotoxicity was induced by administering carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) 1ml / kg body weight subcutaneously on alternate days for a week in a suspension of liquid paraffin.Rats were grouped into 5 groups with group I as control, group II - CCl4 treatment only, group III receiving a mixture of Liv-52 orally (5 ml / kg) and CCl4, and group IV and group V receiving Momordica charantia leaf extract administered orally to rats at doses of 100 and 200 mg / kg respectively, together with CCl4 for 1 week.. Indices of liver functions (lipid profile) were evaluated in the serum of the rats. Animals were sacrificed after the study period and liver tissue was isolated for histopathological changes. The mean results for groupsI to Vfor SGOT levels in IU/L were:53.57±1.19, 167.72±5.57, 54.72 ±0.83, 69.41±2.35 and 60.72 ±1.5 respectively; for SGPT in IU/L were 37.00±1.77, 118.16±2.91, 61.41±1.25, 47.92±1.71and58.59±1.81 respectively; for ALPin IU/L were165.44± 4.84, 281.33±7.11, 206±6.95, 190.62±5.47and188.86±2.5 respectively and for totalbilirubinlevels in mg/dl were 0.71±0.66, 1.57± 0.1, 0.80 ±0.20.88±0.02&0.77±0.03respectively. The findings from this study showed a decrease in the liver enzymes and therefore suggests protective activityof Momordica charantia leaf extract against CCl4 induced hepatic toxicity.