HEPATOPROTECTIVE ROLE OF YUCCA GLORIOSA L. EXTRACT AGAINST CCl4 INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS

INTRODUCTION The liver is the largest organ in the body weighing 1200-1500g. It is a key organ in regulating homeostasis within the body. It regulates several important functions including protein synthesis, storage and metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, detoxification of drugs and other toxins, metabolism of hormones and excretion of bilirubin. Liver diseases are associated with distortion of these metabolic functions [1,2]. Although viruses are the main cause of liver diseases, the liver lesions arising from xenobioties, excessive drug therapy, environmental pollution and alcoholic intoxication are not uncommon [3]. Every year about 20,000 deaths are found due to liver disorders [4]. Thus to maintain a healthy liver is a crucial factor for