Evaluation of Boerhaavia Diffusa for Hepatoprotective Activity in Experimental Wistar Rats

Boerhaavia diffusa (Nyctaginaceae) is conventionally used in Indian Ayurvedic system to treat liver diseases. The present study was undertaken to investigate the protective role of ethanol extract of B. diffusa on hepatic antioxidant status and the levels of diagnostic markers in isoproterenol induced hepatitis in rats. The Prior oral administration of B. diffusa extract [150 mg/kg bodyweight/day for 45 days] significantly (P<0.05) restored the levels of diagnostic marker enzymes [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT)] and Lipid peroxidation levels was decreased in liver tissues of experimental rats. Also, a significant (P<0.05) increase in reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activities of glutathione dependent antioxidant enzymes [glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR)] and antiperoxidative enzymes [catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] were observed in the liver tissue. Anti-hepatotoxic potential of B. diffusa might be due to its antioxidant property and membrane stabilizing action.