HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF FRUIT EXTRACTS OF PHYLLANTHUS ACIDUS LINN. IN CARBON TETRACHLORIDE INDUCED HEPATOTOXIC MODEL IN ALBINO RATS

Abstract

BACKGROUND Phyllanthus acidus Linn. (PA) plant is widely used for treating jaundice in rural areas of North Eastern States of India, but there is lack of scientific evidence regarding its usage in liver disorders, although experiments with shrubs and herbs belonging to same species have been performed. AIMS To study the effect of aqueous fruit extract of Phyllanthus acidus Linn. (PA) in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. SETTING AND DESIGN Twenty four healthy albino rats of either sex weighing 100-125gm were utilized for the study. They were randomized into 4 groups (Normal, Control, Standard and Test) of 6 animals in each group. METHODS AND MATERIAL Hepatic injury was induced in all groups (Except normal group) by i.p. injection of 1: 1v/v CCl4 in olive oil (1ml/kg body weight) for 7 days simultaneously with control, standard and test drugs. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Results were analysed by ANOVA followed by student 't' test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The administration of CCl4 to the animals resulted in a marked increase in hepatic markers. Animals treated with PA exhibited a significant decrease in the hepatic markers in comparison to the control group. The present study shows that the aqueous fruit extracts of Phyllanthus acidus Linn. Has significant hepatoprotective activity in CCl4 induced hepatotoxic model in albino rats.