English

Abstract

Ethanolic extract of Euphorbia hirta Linn was prepared and tested for its hepatoprotective effect against CCl 4 - induced hepatitis in rats. Alteration in the levels of biochemical markers of hepatic damage like SGPT, SGOT, ALP, bilirubin, were tested in both treated and untreated groups. Carbon tetra chl oride (2 ml/kg) ha s enhanced the SGPT, SGOT, ALP and bilirubin . Treatment with Ethanolic extract of Euphorbia hirta Linn (100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) has brought back the altered levels of biochemical markers to the near normal levels in the dose dependent manner. KEYWORDS : Euphorbia hirta Linn, CCl 4 , Hepatoprotective , Silymarin protective drugs in allopathic medical practices 1 . Euphorbia hirta Linn (Family: Euphorbiacea e ) commonly known as Dudhi, is an herb used in Indian system of medicine in disease of children like wo rm infestation, bowel complains and cough. The decoction of the plant has been reported to useful in the treatment of bronchial asthma. It has also been used for liver ailments in the absence of reliable liver protective drugs in modern medicine; there are numbers of medicinal preparations in the Ayurvedic system of Indian medicine recommended for the treatment of Liver disorders . It is found common ly as wild plant at road sides & in gardens throughout India. It is an annual herb about 15 - 20 cm high erect o r ascending, often branched from the base & sometimes with a woody base, hispid with long yellowish crisped hairs. Stem is usually terete. The leaves are opposite, 1.0 - 4.0 cm x 0.5 - 1.5 cm, obliquely oblong lanceolate, acute, toothe or serrulate, Inflor escence is axillary cyme pedancled and pubesent fruits are depressed globase & keeled. The seeds are reddish brown, 0.08 cm long & ovoid - trigonous. Flowering & fruitin g is almost throughout the year 2 .