Hepatoprotective Activity of Alcoholic and Aqueous Extracts of Allium Cepa Linn. (liliaceae) in Rats

In the present study, we have chosen a plant named Allium cepa Linn (Liliaceae) to evaluate its hepatoprotective activity in experimental animals. Different pharmacological activities are reported with different parts of this plant. Some of its medicinal properties reported are as stimulant, diuretic, anti-tubercular, anthelmintic, and used for various diseases like diabetes, skin diseases, rheumatism, asthma, nausea and constipation. From the literature we found that A. cepa has also been traditionally indicated for treatment of hepatic disorders. This prompt us to select bulb extracts of this plant for the study of hepatoprotective activity in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in experimental animals. Phytochemical screening of A. cepa revealed the presence of Saponins, carbohydrate, steroids, Flavonoids. The present study was made to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of Allium cepa in CCl4 and paracetamol induced hepatic injury in experimental animals. Hepatoprotective activity of A. cepa was studied by estimating the serum levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct and total bilirubin. The treatment with AEAC and AQEAC showed significant reduction of CCl4 and paracetamol induced elevated serum enzyme and pigment levels. Histopathology of liver shows hepatoprotective effect of these extracts. INTRODUCTION: The largest organ in human body and the major site for intense metabolism and excretion is liver. So it has a surprising role in the maintenance, performance and regulating homeostasis of the body. The major functions of the liver are carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, detoxification, secretion of bile and storage of vitamin. Thus, to maintain a healthy liver is a crucial factor for overall health and well being . Most of the hepatotoxic chemicals damage liver cells mainly by inducing lipid peroxidation and other oxidative damages. In absence of reliable liver-protective drugs in modem medicine, there are a number of medicinal preparations in Ayurvedic system recommended for the treatment of liver ailments . Paracetamol (PCM) also known as Acetaminophen, taken in overdose can cause severe hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. PCM is activated and converted by cytochrome P450 enzymes to toxic metabolite NAPQI (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine) which causes oxidative stress and glutathione (GSH) depletion. Even though with tremendous advances in modern medicine, we can hardly find reliable drugs that protect the liver from damage and/or help in regeneration of hepatic cell.