Abstract
Curcuma xanthorrhiza is widely used in Indonesia folk medicine to treat liver disorders. This study has evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of standardized ethanolic extract of C. xanthorrhiza. The extract was standardized using GC-MS. The hepatoprotective activity of this extract was studied using ethanolinduced liver toxicity in rats. This respective activity was assessed through monitoring liver function tests through the measurement of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and protein content. Further, hepatic tissues were also subjected to histopathological studies. Pretreatment of the standardized C. xanthorrhiza ethanolic extract (500 mg/kg) reduced the fatty liver symptoms and significantly (p < 0.05) inhibit the increase of respective serum enzyme levels. The results of the present study indicated that C. xanthorrhiza possess hepatoprotective effects which could act as an effective treatment for acute hepatic diseases.
Highlights
The liver plays an astonishing array of vital functions in the maintenance and performance of the body
This study has evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of standardized ethanolic extract of C. xanthorrhiza
The hepatoprotective activity of this extract was studied using ethanolinduced liver toxicity in rats. This respective activity was assessed through monitoring liver function tests through the measurement of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and protein content
Summary
The liver plays an astonishing array of vital functions in the maintenance and performance of the body. Some of these major functions include carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, detoxification and secretion of bile. Scientific research in herbal medicine with hepatoprotective activity may be a great benefit as an alternative therapy in alcohol induced liver disease. Curcuma xantorrhiza is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) which is a native Indonesian plant. It is known as ‘Temu Lawak’ in Malaysia (Sears, 2005). C. xantorrhiza is a low growing plant with root (rhizome) that is similar to ginger with aromatic, pungent odor and bitter taste. In South-East Asia, it is traditionally utilized for a range of illness including hepatitis, liver complaints, and diabetes, rheumatism, cancer, hypertension and heart disorders
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