Hepatoprotective effect of Cassia auriculata extract against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in Wistar albino rats

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the potential hepato-protective effect of Cassia auriculata leaf extract against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in albino rats, by exploring the antioxidant properties of Cassia auriculata and its ability to mitigate oxidative damage caused by ethanol consumption, and the underlying mechanisms involved. Methodology: In the present study, Group – I served as Control, Group – II (Ethanol induced group), where 50% ethanol was orally administered to the rats, Group – III (treatment group), where 250 mg kg-1 of Cassia auriculata leaf extract was orally administered to the hepato-toxic albino rats and in Group – IV, rats were treated with standard reference drug Silymarin (100 mg kg-1) followed by estimating the parameters related to oxidative stress such as TBARS and antioxidants enzyme levels such as GST, GPx, SOD and CAT in the blood and liver tissue samples. Phytochemical analysis of Cassia auriculata leaf powder was conducted to determine the active phytoconstituents. Results: Treatment with Cassia auriculata extract significantly (p<0.001) reduced the damage caused by oxidative stress by decreasing the levels of TBARS and significantly (p<0.001) elevated the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as GST, GPx, SOD and CAT in the serum and liver samples. Interpretation: The present study provides an opportunity to explore the potential therapeutic properties of Cassia auriculata in combating ethanol-induced oxidative stress. Key words: Albino rats, Cassia auriculata, Ethanol, Oxidative stress