In-Vivo Hepatoprotective Activity of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extract of Achyranthens Aspera L. In Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the in-vivo hepatoprotective potential of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Achyranthes aspera L. against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Acute liver damage was induced by a single oral administration of paracetamol (2 g/kg body weight), followed by treatment with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. aspera at graded doses 100 and 200 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days. Silymarin (50 mg/kg) served as the standard reference drug. Hepatoprotective activity was assessed by estimating serum biochemical markers, including serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, and total protein levels, along with histopathological examination of liver tissues. Paracetamol administration significantly elevated SGOT, SGPT, ALP, and bilirubin levels while reducing total protein, indicating hepatic injury. Treatment with both extracts, particularly the ethanolic extract, produced a dose-dependent and significant (p < 0.05) reversal of these biochemical alterations towards normal values, comparable to the silymarin-treated group. Histological analysis corroborated the biochemical findings, revealing reduced necrosis, inflammation, and restoration of normal hepatic architecture in extract-treated groups. The results suggest that A. aspera possesses potent hepatoprotective activity, which may be attributed to its phytoconstituents with antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing properties. This study supports the traditional use of A. aspera in liver disorders and warrants further investigation for isolation and characterization of its active principles