Protective effects of Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens root extract on paracetamol induced hepatic damage Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens kök ekstresinin parasetamolün oluşturduğu hepatik hasar üzerine koruyucu etkileri

AIM: This study was conducted to study the hepatoprotective property of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. roots. METHODS: Hepatoprotective properties of the methanol extract of the roots of H. indicus var. pubescens were evaluated on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino Wistar rats by the administration of paracetamol (1g/kg), p.o. for 7 days. Methanol extract of H. indicus var. pubescens roots (MEHI) was administered at the doses 200 and 400 mg/kg/day, p.o. for 7 days. Serum analysis was performed to estimate the levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, total proteins, albumin, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein and triglycerides. The liver was isolated and homogenized for the estimation of glutathione and malondialdehyde. Histopathology studies were also performed on the liver samples. RESULTS: The toxic effects of paracetamol were significantly controlled in the extract treated groups which was manifested by the restoration of serum biochemical parameters to near normal levels. CONCLUSIONS: From the study it was concluded that roots of H. indicus var. pubescens possess significant hepatoprotective properties.