Hepatoprotective effect of methanolic extracts of Phyllanthus virgatus against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

Abstract

In this study, the methanolic extract of Phyllanthus virgatus was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The results of this study indicated that Phyllanthus virgatus exhibited moderate protective effect at a dose of 100-200 mg/kg by lowering serum level of liver enzymes such as alanine amino transferees (ALT), glutamate pyruvate transaminases (SGPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases (SGOT), and total protein to a significant extent. Further, no significant effects were seen on blood serum level at a dose of 100-200 mg/kg body weight. The highest activity was observed at a dose of 200 mg/kg with a reduction of serum concentration of ALT, AST, total bilirubin and total protein. The methanolic extract of P. virgatus showed significant decrease in the levels of liver enzymes, indicating the protection of hepatic cells thereby protecting against CCl4 induced hepatocellular injury.