Hepatoprotective activity of Adina cordifolia against ethanol induce hepatotoxicity in rats

The acetone (AEAC) and aqueous extracts (AQEAC) of Adina cordifolia, belonging to the family Rubiaceae, were studied for hepatoprotective activity against Wister rats with liver damage induced by ethanol. It was found that AEAC and AQEAC, at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight exhibited hepatoprotective effect by lowering the Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT), Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphate and total bilirubin to a significant extent and also significantly increased the levels of total protein. The hepatoprotective activity was also supported by histopathological studies of liver tissue. Since results of biochemical studies of blood samples of ethanol treated rats showed significant increase in the levels of serum enzyme activities, reflecting the liver injury caused by ethanol and blood samples from the animals treated with AEAC and AQEAC showed significant decrease in the levels of serum markers, indicating the protection of hepatic cells against ethanol induced hepatocellular injury. The effects of AEAC and AQEAC were comparable with standard drug silymarin.