Hepatoprotective activity of Amomum subulatum Roxb against ethanol-induced liver damage.

Abstract

The hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Amomum subulatum Roxb (Zingiberaceae) seeds was studied against 20 % ethanol (3.76 g/kg/days, p.o for 18 days) induced liver damage in rats. Ethanol produced significant changes in various liver parameters such as functional (thiopentone-induced sleeping time) and physical (increased liver weight and volume). It also increased the biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamate pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglyceride and decreased total protein along with changes in histological parameters (damage to hepatocytes). Treatment with methanolic extract of A. subulatum (100 and 300 mg/kg/day, p.o. for 18 days) and silymarin significantly prevented the functional, physical, biochemical and histological changes induced by ethanol, indicating the recovery of hepatic cells. These results demonstrate that methanolic extract of A. subulatum seeds possessed the hepatoprotective activity. Key words: Amomum subulatum, hepatoprotective activity, ethanol