Abstract
The current study investigated hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Aegle marmelos leaves extract. The major constituent present in the extract i.e. rutin was quantified by using HPLC. Further, the study explored hepatoprotective effect of A. marmelos (70% ethanol extract) in combination with piperine. The normal control and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administered rats were divided into 7 groups. Hepatic damage biomarkers were determined in serum samples and oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase), pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were determined in liver homogenates. CCl4 caused marked liver damage as evident by significant increased activities of serum alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, Interleukin 10 and Tumor necrosis factor-α levels compared to normal control. The oxidative stress parameters also significantly modulated in CCl4 group as compared to normal control. Treatment with A. marmelos reduced the severity of toxicity in a dose dependent fashion and the results of A. marmelos extract 50 mg/kg group were comparable to silymarin group. The low dose of A. marmelos extract (25 mg/kg) per se did not significantly reversed the hepatotoxicity but low dose of A. marmelos in combination with piperine showed significant reversal of hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, A. marmelos exerts potential hepatoprotective activity through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which was enhanced by co-treatment with piperine.
Highlights
Aegle marmelos, commonly known as Bael, a spiny tree of Rutaceae family is an indigenous tree found in India, Myanmar, Pakistan and Bangladesh
Phytochemical screening of A. marmelos leaves extract Results of the preliminary phytochemical screening of leaves extract showed the occurrence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds and phytosterols (Table 1)
It could be postulated that the hepatoprotective potential of the A. marmelos leaves could be attributed to rutin
Summary
Commonly known as Bael, a spiny tree of Rutaceae family is an indigenous tree found in India, Myanmar, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The leaves, roots, bark, seeds and fruits are edible and have medicinal values. The root is an important ingredient of the ‘Dasmula’ (ten roots) recipe [1]. Ayurveda describes the medicinal properties of this plant. Ayurvedic literature claims various pharmacological properties of Bael leaves. Activities include astringent, laxative, and expectorant, useful
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
