Evaluation of Hepatoprotective activity of Cuscuta Reflexa

Abstract

Cuscuta Reflexa from Convolvulaceae family is a plant with a variety of ethnic medicinal uses along with antioxidant activity. Hence it was planned to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity with methanolic extracts of whole plant of Cuscuta reflexa (MECR) and aqueous extracts of whole plant of Cuscuta reflexa (AQECR). Hepatoprotective activity of both the extracts was studied against galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Biochemical parameters Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Serum direct bilirubin (BILD), Serum total bilirubin (BILT), Serum albumin (ALB), Serum total proteins (PRO), Serum cholesterol (CHO), and histopathological changes of livers were assessed in control/toxicant/standard/and extract treated animals with galactosamine induced hepatotoxic models in rats. In LD50 studies for MECR and AQECR up to the maximum dose level of 2000 mg/kg dose no mortality was observed in any of the animals, indicating the practically nontoxic. When compared to toxicant control groups both the extracts have significantly reduced the paracetamol induced elevated levels of serum ALT, AST, ALP, BILT, BILD, CHO, and elevated the levels of ALB and PRO. The histopathological changes (steatosis), necrosis etc. Were partly or fully prevented in animals treated with the two extracts. MECR and AQECR showed a significant hepatoprotective effect against galactosamine induced hepatic damage. The medium and high doses of AESCR and AQESCR (200 and 400 mg/kg) treated groups showed better hepatoprotective activity when compared to standard drug silymarin (25 mg/kg). Studies for MECR and AQECR up to the maximum dose level of 2000 mg/kg dose no mortality was observed in any of the animals, indicating the practically nontoxic. When compared to toxicant control groups both the extracts have significantly reduced the paracetamol induced elevated levels of serum ALT, AST, ALP, BILT, BILD, CHO, and elevated the levels of ALB and PRO. The histopathological changes (steatosis), necrosis etc. Were partly or fully prevented in animals treated with the two extracts.