Hepatoprotective activity of Amalakyadi Gana, a polyherbal ayurvedic formulation in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Abstract

Since ancient times, Amalakyadi Gana, a polyherbal formulation of Susruta Samhita (6th century BCE), has been used for the prevention and treatment of numerous gastrointestinal diseases. This formulation consists of fruits of Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula, Piper longum, and the root of Plumbago zeylanica. The hepatoprotective efficacy of this formulation was evaluated following the acute toxicity study in mice to validate its ayurvedic uses. The hepatoprotective efficacy was assessed using paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. Research drug exhibited in normalizing the PCM-dependent rise of serum liver function markers. After administration of the aqueous extract of Amalakyadi Gana, relevant blood biochemical measures showed significant (P < 0.05) hepatoprotective activity in a dosage-dependent manner, especially at the dose of 700 mg/kg orally in mice. When compared to the control group, significant (p < 0.05) histological alterations were also observed in the liver tissues. This formulation exhibited results in normalizing the liver architecture by decreasing necrotic foci along with the normal liver parenchymal structure in the research drug pre-treated groups mainly at the dose of 700 mg/kg, caused due to paracetamol toxicity. The research drug's sustained activity was comparable to that of the silymarin (200 mg/kg, p.o.) reference medicine. This formulation possesses significant hepatoprotective activity without any toxicity in mice.