Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of ricinus communis in Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of ricinus communis in wistar rats. Methods: Liver, the key organ of metabolism and excretion, is constantly endowed with the task of detoxification of xenobiotics, environmental pollutants and chemotherapeutic agents. The animals were divided into six groups with six rats in each group. First group were taken as control, and they received 0.9% normal saline 10ml/kg body weight orally. Second group was taken as CCl4 control group and treated with normal saline (10 ml/ kg, p.o.) and CCl4: olive oil (1:1, 2 ml/ kg, i.p. on 2, 5 and 8th day) daily for 20 day. The third group of six rats were treated with Liv 52- 100 mg/kg orally and CCl4: olive oil (1:1, 2 ml/ kg, i.p. on 2, 5 and 8th day) for 20 days .The fourth and fifth groups were taken as test groups and they received crude extract of ricinus communis orally once daily for 20 days at the dosage of 250 and 500mg/kg respectively. CCl4: olive oil was given i.p on 2, 5 and 8th day. On the 21stday, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture method. The blood samples were used estimate biochemical parameters like serum AST and ALT. Results: It was found that the ricinus communis at the doses of 250 and 500mg/kg exhibited moderate protective effect by lowering the serum levels of ALT and AST (P