Hepatoprotective activity of Cuscuta reflexa aqueous and alcoholic extracts against CCl4 induced toxicity in rats

Abstract

Introduction In the present study the impact of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Cuscuta reflexa were investigated on rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). CCl4 is known to intoxicate the liver of rats which can be easily be observed by examining the total protein, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase ALT). Cuscuta reflexa have been used in traditional medicine culture from time immemorial. In this study both the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Cuscuta reflexa were found to have curative impact on liver profile of CCl4 intoxicated rats. Materials and Methods. The stem of Cuscuta reflexa were collected from host bougainvillea, dried in shade and were subjected to alcoholic (ethanolic), and aqueous extraction. Albino rats were intoxicated with CCl4 to induce hepatotoxicity. The CCl4 intoxicated rats were treated with low dose and high dose of both the extracts to assess the hepatoprotective impact on intoxicated rats. The results clearly revealed that the CCl4 administration altered liver profile. The altered liver profile parameters recovered to normal after administration of aqueous and alcoholic extracts. Results and Discussion. Administration of CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats, which was evident with the results of serum analysis. Post CCl4 administration the liver profile parameters were altered. The CCl4 intoxicated rats were then treated with aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Cuscuta reflexa. Post treatment with the extracts the liver profile parameters recovered to normal. Conclusion: Present study reveals that aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Cuscuta reflexa were found to have curative impact on liver profile of CCl4 intoxicated rats. Keywords: Custuca reflexa, CCl4, hepatoprotective, liver profile, alcoholic extract, aqueous extract,