Antioxidant and antihepatotoxic efficacy of methanolic extract of Elephantopus scaber Linn in Wistar rats

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Elephantopus scaber root against CCl4 induced liver damage in rats. MethodsIn vitro antioxidant activity was studied by determining superoxide scavenging, hydroxyl scavenging and Fe2+ ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation inhibiting activity of methanolic extract. The in vivo hepatoprotective activity was studied by estimating AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, total protein, albumin levels and by histopathological examination in CCl4 toxicity induced experimental rats. The peroxidative hepatic damage was studied by assessing TBARS, CD, SOD, CAT and GSH in liver. ResultsMethanolic extract of Elephantopus scaber root at doses of 75mg and 150mg/kg body weight significantly reduced the levels of AST, ALT, ALP & GGT and increased the level of TP and Albumin. The levels of TBARS and CD were decreased and the level of GSH increased. The levels of SOD and CAT were decreased. Histopathological changes induced by CCl4 were reduced by the treatment of methanolic extract of Elephantopus scaber root. The effect was compared with reference drug curcumin. ConclusionsThe antioxidant and antihepatotoxic activities of methanolic extract of Elephantopus scaber root was probably due to free radical scavenging activity.