Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect of the roots of Hibiscus esculentus Linn.

Abstract

Th e ethanol extract of Hibiscus esculentus Linn roots inhibited the formation of oxygen derived free radicals invitro with IC50 of 620 μg/ml, 2300 μg/ml, 870 μg/ml and 610 μg/ml. [Fe2+/ascobate system], 730 μg/ml, [Fe3+/ADP/ascorbate system], for superoxide radical production, hydroxyl radical generation, nitric oxide radical formation and lipid peroxide formation respectively. Th e oral administration of the extract (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight), signifi cantly reduce CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats, as judged from the serum and tissue activity of marker enzymes [Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), Glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)]. Th ese results were comparable with standard drug silymarin [20 mg/kg, P.O.) Key words: Hibiscus esculentus Linn, ethanolic extract, antioxidant activity, hepatoprotective eff ect