Hepatoprotective effect of Averrhoa bilimbi Linn. methanol extract on carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in albino rats

Abstract

Averrhoa bilimbi is an indigenous plant of the Averrhoaceae family, which was used traditionally for liver disorders [1]. However, there were no scientific reports available on its hepatoprotective activity. Hence, the present study was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Averrhoa bilimbi Linn. methanol extract on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage in albino rats. Liver toxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 at the dose of 1ml/kg with a gap of 72 hrs for 10 days. Blood serum marker enzymes like glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein and bilirubin were estimated [2]. Administrations of Averrhoa bilimbi methanol extract at the doses of 250 and 500mg/kg, p.o. showed significant (p<0.01) decrease in serum GPT, GOT, ALP, and bilirubin levels as compared to negative control. The total protein level was decreased due to hepatic damage induced by CCl4 and it was found to be increased in methanol extract of Averrhoa bilimbi treated group. Treatment of rats with CCl4 led to a marked increase in lipid peroxidation as measured by malondialdehyde (MDA), which was associated with a significant reduction of the hepatic antioxidant system like reduced glutathione (GSH) [3]. These biochemical alterations resulting from CCl4 administration were significantly (p<0.01) inhibited by treatment with Averrhoa bilimbi methanol extract. The results were comparable with silymarin at the dose of 100mg/kg, p.o. The data suggest that Averrhoa bilimbi methanol extract may act as a hepatoprotective and antioxidant agent.