Hepatoprotective activity of leaves of Neptunia Oleracea lour in Carbon tetrachloride induced rats

The ethanol and aqueous extracts of leaves of Neptunia Oleracea lour (Mimosaceae) were tested for their efficacy against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. The different groups of animals were administered ethanol and aqueous extracts to carbon tetrachloride treated rats. In the present study ethanol extract (p<0.01) and aqueous extract (p<0.05) significantly decreases the level of alanine aminotransferase, aspartase aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatatase, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin in blood whereas total protein level is elevated. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of active phytoconstituents i.e. flavonoids, triterpinoids and tannins, which may offer hepatoprotection. The present work support the traditional claim of plant in the treatment of liver injury, may provide a new drug against a war with liver diseases.