Evaluation of Calotropis Gigantea R. Br. Flower Extract on Alcohol Induced Hepatotoxicity

The protective effect of Calotropis gigantea flower extract in acute alcohol induced hepatotoxicity in rats was evaluated. A significant increase in the levels of enzyme markers of tissues damage (ALT, AST and ALP), lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and decreased serum vitamin C levels were observed in alcohol intoxicated rats as compared to control animals. Pretreatment with 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of extract significantly decreased the levels of enzyme markers, lipid peroxidation and markedly increased serum vitamin C level in a dose-dependent manner. Post-treatment with 500mg/kg body weight of extract significantly enhanced the recovery of animals from hepatic damage compared to untreated control. Lipid peroxidation and depletion of vitamin C due to oxidative stress could be the possible mechanism of alcohol induced toxicity and the protective effect of the extract may be due to its ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation and prevent the depletion of vitamins C.