Hepatoprotective activity of aqueous alcoholic (70%) extract of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk against antitubercular drugs induced hepatic damage

Abstract

Background: Rhodomyrtus tomentosa of family Myrtaceae has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine for the treatment of liver disorders. However, there is no scientific evidence on the hepatoprotective potential of the plant. Aim: The present study was aimed at evaluating the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of the aqueous alcoholic (70%) extract of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaves (RTLE) based on its traditional claim in liver diseases. Materials and Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino rats by administering a combination of three antitubercular drugs, Isoniazid (7.5 mg/kg), Pyrazinamide (35 mg/kg) and Rifampicin (10 mg/kg) orally for 45 days. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate amino transferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein and total bilirubin (TB) levels were estimated in serum samples using diagnostic kits. Antioxidant parameters were estimated in liver homogenates using standard methods. Statistical Analysis: The experimental mean values were compared statistically with that of toxicant group by using One‑way ANOVA followed by Newman‑Keul’s multiple tests. Results: Hepatoprotective activity of the extract was evident from the significant decrease in the elevated levels of ALT, AST, ALP and total bilirubin and an increase in the levels of total protein in comparison to toxicant control. Increased activity of antioxidant enzymes supports the in vivo antioxidant activity of the extract. Histopathological changes of the liver in the treated and control group of rats were in agreement with the hepatoprotective finding. Conclusion: RTLE exhibited hepatoprotective activity against antitubercular drug induced hepatotoxicity through a free radical scavenging effect and reduces oxidative damage caused by antitubercular drugs. Key words: Antioxidant enzymes, antitubercular drugs, hepatoprotective, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa