Hepatoprotective effect of combined extracts of Andrographis paniculata, Boerhavia diffusa, Eclipta alba and Picrorhiza kurroa on carbon tetrachloride and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Extracts obtained from Andrographis paniculata, Boerhavia diffusa, Eclipta alba and Picrorhiza kurroa were mixed in an equal ratio and the combined extract was evaluated for the hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride and paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The hepatotoxicants increased the levels of transaminases, total bilirubin, triglycerides and decreased the level of albumin in the serum of rat. Liver homogenate of the rats showed an increase in the lipid peroxidation level and reduction in the levels of glutathione. The rats administered with the combined extract reversed the biochemical parameters reflecting the liver function. The combined extract showed significant (P < 0.05) dose dependent hepatoprotective activity against the toxicants as it was evident from the values of biochemical parameters when compared to silymarin administered animals. The results showed that the recovery exhibited by the combined extract at 400 mg/kg dose level was highest among other doses tested and was well comparable to silymarin treated rats.