Hepatoprotective Property of Phyllanthus amarus Alkaloid-Rich Fraction with Respect to Oxidative Stress Marker Enzymes

Abstract

A disruption in the equilibrium between the generation of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defense enzymes is referred to as oxidative stress. In the present study, we planned to identify the hepatoprotective effect of Phyllanthus amarus alkaloid rich fraction in wistar strain albino male rats. The hepatic damage was induced by the D-galactosamine and ameliorative effect was tested with alkaloid rich fraction of P. amarus by measuring oxidative stress markers such as G6PDH, LDH, SDH, MDH and GDH in the liver tissue. Activity levels of G6PDH, SDH, MDH and GDH were significantly decreased in D-galactosamine induced hepatitis rats when compare to normal control rat group, while their activities were significantly increased in hepatitis rat group that supplemented with alkaloid rich fraction of P. amarus. In contrast, LDH enzyme activity of liver was significantly increased in the hepatitis rat group when compare to normal control rats, while its activity was significantly decreased in hepatitis rats treated with alkaloid fraction. In conclusion, it is very clear that alkaloid fraction of P. amarus has hepatoprotective property with respect of decreasing oxidative stress by regulating oxidative stress marker enzymes. The isolation and identification of specific alkaloid compounds with hepatoprotective properties and anti-oxidative stress will require much further research.