Pre-treatment Effects of Methanolic Extract of Monochoria Vaginalis against Carbon Tetra Chloride Induced Acute Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Objective: The present study was aimed at investigating the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of Monochoria vaginalis (MEMV) against Carbontetra chloride (CCl4) induced acute liver injury in rats in preventive models. Methods: Toxic control, methanolic extract and standard drug Silymarin treated rats were received a single dose of CCl4 (150 μl/100 g, 1:1 in ground nut oil). Pre-treated rats were given MEMV at 100 & 200mg doses and silymarin at a dose of 50mg/kgb.wt 48, 24 & 2 hrs prior to CCl4 administration. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by measuring the levels of marker enzymes such as AST, ALT, ALP. Antioxidant activity of MEMV was studied by measuring the activity of Catalase, GSH, SOD, GST and GPx. The extent of lipid peroxidation was measured in terms of thiobarbituricacid reactive substances-TBARS in liver tissues. Results: Rats pre-treated with M.vaginalis and Silymarin remarkably prevented the elevation of AST, ALT, ALP & liver lipid peroxides in CCl4 treated rats. Hepatic glutathione levels, Catalase, SOD, GST and GPx were significantly (p ≤0.05) increased by the treatment with the extract. Histopathological changes induced by CCl4 were also significantly (p≤0.05) reduced by the extract treatment in preventive groups. Phytochemical screening of this plant revealed the presence of flavonoids and alkaloids which could be responsible for the possible hepatprotective action. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the antioxidant (preventive effect) and hepatoprotective efficacy of MEMV and thus scientifically proves the use of entire plant in traditional medicine for hepatic disorders.