Activity Of Ethanolic Root Extract Research Articles

Hepatoprotective activity of ethanol root extract and fractions of Hippocratea africana against doxorubicin-induced liver toxicity

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline glycoside antibiotic with high efficacy against various forms of cancer, whose clinical usefulness has been limited by associated undesirable organs toxicities such as cardiomyopathy, nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity despite its high therapeutic index. Hippocratea africana root used locally in the treatment of poisoning was evaluated for antidotal potentials against DOX-induced liver toxicity in rats. Hippocratea africana ethanol root extract as well as dichloromethane and aqueous fractions were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against doxorubicin-induced liver injury in rats at various doses of the crude extract (200-600 mg/kg) and 400 mg/kg each of dichloromethane (DCM) and aqueous fractions respectively. Liver function parameters, liver oxidative stress markers and liver histology were used to assess the liver protective potential of the extract and fractions. The root extract and fractions significantly (p<0.05-0.01) reduced the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total and direct bilirubin that were elevated by doxorubincin. Also, the levels of total protein and albumin reduced by doxorubicin were increased by the extract coadministration. The levels of GSH, GST, SOD, GPx, and CAT that were decreased by doxorubicin were significantly (p<0.01) elevated and raised MDA level was reduced by the leaf extract. Histology of the liver sections of extract -treated animals showed reductions in the pathological features compared to the DOX-treated animals. The observed histopathological changes were consistent with chemical pathological observations suggesting marked hepatoprotective potential. The anti-toxic effect of this plant may in part be mediated through the chemical constituents of the plant. The plant, Hippocratea africana possesses anti-toxicant properties which can be exploited in the treatment of doxorubicin related toxicities.

In vitro and In silico Cytotoxic Activity of Aconitum heterophyllum Phytoniosomes and its Ethanolic Root Extract: A Comparative Study

The present study aimed to investigate the comparative in vitro and in silico antioxidant and anti-proliferative activity of ethanolic root extract of Aconitum heterophyllum and Aconitum heterophyllum roots loaded phytoniosomes. Initially the ethanolic root extract of Aconitum heterophyllum and Aconitum heterophyllum roots loaded phytoniosomes were prepared and their antioxidant potential were studied in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, super oxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging by employing in vitro method. Assessment of anti-proliferative activity of MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines was performed using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and trypan blue exclusion assay. In silico docking was performed using Auto Dock Schrodinger Glide to identify the suitable antagonistic ligand which can inhibit the proteins breast cancer gene 1, breast cancer gene 2 and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 to exert the cytotoxic effect. In the present study a concentration dependent cytotoxic activity was observed for both the extract. However, the enhanced cytotoxic activity observed for Aconitum heterophyllum roots loaded phytoniosomes extract may be due to the increased bioavailability of phytochemicals in the form of phytoniosomes. IC50 values were for the Aconitum heterophyllum roots loaded phytoniosomes calculated and it was found to be 43.81 μg/ml, 50.46 μg/ml respectively for 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and trypan blue assay. Among the 21 phyto components identified in the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis molecular docking analysis revealed the antagonistic nature of phytoligands namely α-D-Glucopyranoside,β-D-Fructofuranosyl and pyrrlidine,2α-1-pyrrolidinoformyl has the ability to inhibit the three tumour progressive proteins namely breast cancer gene 1, breast cancer gene 2 and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and their amino acid interactions were comparable to the positive drug Doxorubicin. Based on these studies the Aconitum heterophyllum loaded phytoniosomes can be a novel drug delivery tool in treating breast cancer.

EVALUATION OF HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF DRACAENA TERNIFLORA ROXB. AGAINST ETHANOL INDUCED HEPATIC INJURY IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to investigate hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic root extract of Dracaena terniflora Roxb. (DTR-E) in alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino Wistar rats by oral administration of 40% ethanol (2 mL/100 g body weight). DTR-E root extract was administered at a dose level of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg orally for 21 days. On the 22nd day blood was taken by puncturing retro orbital plexus and used for the estimation of biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, creatinine, urea, triglycerides, total cholesterol, albumin, and total protein. Animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and liver was dissected out and histopathological analysis of liver and kidney was carried out. Results: Obtained results revealed that administration of ethanol caused a significant increase in liver weight, plasma ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin creatinine, urea, triglycerides,and total cholesterol compared to the control group, while total protein and albumin concentration are significantly declined which were effectively prevented by the DTR-E extract. The histopathological observations supported the biochemical evidence of hepatoprotection. Conclusions: The findings suggest that DTR-E root extract protects the liver cell from ethanol induced liver damages due to its antioxidative effect on hepatocytes. The results of the present investigation indicated that roots of D. terniflora Roxb. possesses significant hepatoprotective activity.

Membrane stabilization as a mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic root extract of Choi (Piper chaba)

BackgroundThis experiment is conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Piper chaba roots.MethodsThe in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Piper chaba was carried out by human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization method which includes heat-induced hemolysis and hypo tonicity- induced hemolysis and also by another method of egg albumin denaturation assay.ResultsAnti-inflammatory activity study of crude ethanolic extract was performed using heat induced membrane stabilization method, hypo-tonicity induced HRBC membrane stabilization method and egg albumin denaturation method. Crude ethanolic extracts of P. chaba showed promising in vitro anti-inflammatory activity in a concentration dependent manner. Using acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) as standard drug and was compared with ethanolic extract to determine anti-inflammatory activity. Heat induced anti-inflammatory test revealed that crude ethanolic extract of P. chaba (500 μg/ml) and positive control ASA(500 μg/ml) have 52.667% and 78% respectively, hypo tonicity induced anti-inflammatory test showed 35.67% and 59% inhibition of red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis. Egg albumin denaturation method also evaluated that crude ethanolic extract (1000 μg/ml) and ASA (1000 μg/ml) showed 60% and 97.12% inhibition of egg albumin denaturation.ConclusionThe plant of P. chaba of the genus Piper possesses promising anti-inflammatory activities.

EVALUATION OF ETHANOLIC ROOT EXTRACT OF ALLIUM CEPA. L FOR ANALGESIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES IN ANIMAL MODELS

 Objectives: This present study was envisaged to identify the effect of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity forethanolic root extract of Allium cepa L. Methodology: The study was carried out using Sprague- Dawley rats (250- 300g) and Albino mice (25- 30g). Diclofenac sodium and Tramadol are the standard drugs, was prepared by dissolving in distilled water to make the concentration of 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity respectively. The effect of ethanolic extract of A.cepa L root was investigated for analgesic activity using tail immersion method. The anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic root extract of A.cepa was studied using carrageenan-induced paw edema to the rats.Results: The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan method in Sprague- Dawley rats. The anti-inflammatory activity was found to be dose dependent in carrageenan induced paw edema model. The ethanolic extract has shown highly significant (p<0.001) percentage of inhibition of paw edema, 57.43% and 60.56% at 5th hour at the low dose and high dose, respectively. Whereas analgesic activity was studied using tail immersion method in mice. The ethanolic root extract was shown highly significant (p<0.001) analgesic activity with standard drug and high dose but, low dose showed less significant (p<0.05) analgesic activity. Conclusions: The findings of the present study concluded that A.cepa L roots have potential to treat pain and inflammation and as a good source, novel natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. The ethanolic extract of A.cepa L root showed highly significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in mice and rats respectively.

Evaluation of antihyperlipidemic activity of ethanolic root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.

Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. is an Indian medicinal plant demonstrated to exert multiple health cures. This plant grows naturally in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. It is traditionally used as anti-acne, anti-arthritic, anti-convulsant, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti inflammatory, wound healing, anti-oxidant, anti-platelet, anti-stress and nootropic, anti-viral, diuretic and gastroprotective. The antihyperlipidemic effect of ethanolic root extracts of Glycyrrhizaglabrawas studied in wistar rats using High Fat Diet (FD) induced hyperlipidemic model, at the doses of 400 mg/kg body weight. The efficacy of extract was compared with standard drug simvastatin. The ethanolic extracts, significantly decreased the serum lipid profile level in a dose dependent manner in wistar rats. Ethanolic extracts at 400 mg/kg have shown significant antihyperlipidemic action. These results support the fact that this plant is used traditionally as antihyperlipidemic. The study will help in exploring new plant source as an antihyperlipiedemic agent which can minimize the risk and side effects as compared to that of conventional medicine. 
 Keywords: Glycyrrhizaglabra, Antihyperlipidemic Activity, Simvastatin, High Fat Diet (FD) induced hyperlipidemic model.

Anticandidal activity of ethanolic root extract of Juglans regia (L.): Effect on growth, cell morphology, and key virulence factors

The emergence of drug-resistant strains has encouraged several studies on natural products with antifungal activity and low toxicity.In this study, the antifungal effect of methanolic root extract of Juglans regia (JRE) was investigated against 9 strains of Candida (one reference and 8 clinical strains) through MIC90 and spot assays. To gain insight into the mechanism of antifungal action, we carried out confocal scanning laser microscopy (CLSM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and then examined the effect of JRE on hydrolytic enzyme secretion. Additionally, JRE was subjected to various phytochemical tests, chemically characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS) and its toxicity was tested against H9c2 rat cardiac myoblasts. The phytochemical tests showed the presence of phenols, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, and tannins in JRE. In the GC-MS analysis, a total of 40 compounds were identified. JRE was found to be effective in liquid media with MICs ranging from 300 to 700μg/mL. Spot assay results revealed that Candida cells show increased sensitivity to JRE. CSLM experiments showed that cells exposed to JRE (MIC) exhibited cell membrane disruption. TEM micrograph of treated cells showed extensive breakage in the cell wall and cell membrane. Average inhibition of proteinase and phospholipase secretion (of five C.albicans strains) at MIC/2 values of JRE was 45.17%, and 34.29%, respectively. Cellular toxicity of JRE against H9c2 rat cardiac myoblasts was less than 10% at the highest MIC value. These findings encourage further development of JRE.

Evaluation of anti ulcer activity of ethanolic root extract of Beta vulgaris in rats

Background: Beta vulgaris (chenopodiacea) is a plant reported for its variety of ethnic medicinal uses. Hence we have planned to screen anti ulcer activity of root of the plant with the alcoholic extract. Root powders successively extracted with alcohol and were subjected for phytochemical screening to identify different phytoconstituents.Methods: Anti ulcer activity was evaluated in various animal models like pylorus ligation and ethanol induced ulcer models in rats.Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, saponins, polyphenols. No mortality was observed with root extract up to maximum dose level of 4g/kg. Further alcoholic extract of 200 and 400mg/ kg / p.o significantly (p˂0.01) reduced the ulcer score, ulcer number, ulcer index, free acidity and total acidity in pylorus ligation and ethanol induced ulcer models in rats.Conclusions: The present study revealed that the root extract of Beta vulgaris has antiulcer activity.

Diuretic Activity of Ethanolic Root Extract of Mimosa Pudica in Albino Rats.

Diuretics are the drugs which increase the urine output. This property is useful in various pathological conditions of fluid overload. The presently available diuretics have lot of adverse effects. Our study has evaluated the diuretic activity of ethanolic root extract of Mimosa pudica as an alternative/new drug which may induce diuresis. To evaluate the diuretic activity of ethanolic root extract of Mimosa pudicaa in albino rats. Ethanolic root extract of Mimosa pudica (EEMP) was prepared using soxhlet's apparatus. Albino rats were divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each. Group-I (Control) received distilled water 25ml/kg orally. Group-II (Standard) received Furosemide 20mg/kg orally. Group-III received EEMP 100 mg/kg, Group-IV received EEMP 200 mg/kg and Group-V received EEMP 400 mg/kg. The urine samples were collected for all the groups upto 5 hours after dosing and urine volume was measured. Urine was analysed for electrolytes (Na+, K+ and Cl-). ANOVA, Dunnet's test and p-values were measured and data was analysed. EEMP exhibited significant diuretic activity by increasing urine volume and also by enhancing elimination of Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+) and Chloride (Cl-) at doses of 100 and 200mg/kg. EEMP possesses significant diuretic activity and has a beneficial role in volume overload conditions.

Chemical composition and hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic root extract of Taraxacum Syriacum Boiss against acetaminophen intoxication in rats.

In the present study, the role of ethanol extract of root of Taraxacum Syriacum Boiss (TSBE) against hepatotoxicity caused by acetaminophen (APAP) was studied. The chemical composition of roots of Taraxacum Syriacum Boiss was analyzed by SPME-GC/MS method. Hepatocellular injuries induced by acetaminophen (APAP) were assessed by liver histology, serum aminotransferase activities, antioxidant enzymes activity and lipid peroxidation in liver tissue. TSBE was observed to exhibit hepatoprotective effect as demonstrated by significant decrease in serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentration, and by preventing liver histopathologic changes in rats with APAP hepatotoxicity. Administration of APAP, significantly increased, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and catalase (CAT) activity in liver tissue and pretreatment with TSBE returned these parameters to control group, moreover TSBE reduces APAP-induced hepatic Glutathione (GSH) depletion. Carvacrol (6.7 %) was the main polyphenolic compound of plant sample. Our results demonstrated hepatoprotective activity of TSBE in rat in vivo. We believe that the mechanism by which the extract was able to protect the liver from the oxidative stress generated by APAP is due to its antioxidant activity. These phenolic compounds of the extract act as antioxidants and free radical scavengers and reduce or inhibit the oxidative stress induced by APAP administration (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 39).

Wound-Healing Potential of the Root Extract of Albizzia lebbeck

The present investigation is an attempt to scientifically validate the traditional use of the roots of the plant Albizzia lebbeck in Ayurvedic system of medicine for curing wounds. The study included phytochemical standardization of the ethanol root extract of A.lebbeck, which was further subjected to oral acute toxicity study. Wound-healing activity of the ethanol root extract was evaluated using incision and excision wound models. Biochemical parameters such as hydroxyproline, hexuronic acid, hexosamine, and antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and free radical parameters including lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide were evaluated on the 10th post-wounding day following dead space method. For confirmation of activity, histopathology of the wounds and granulation tissues from excision and dead space wound model were performed. The study also included assessment of antibacterial activity of ethanol root extract against strains implicated in wound infection. The ethanol root extract was found to be highly rich in flavonoids, saponins, phenols, and tannins, while the amount of rutin was found to be 4.66 % w/w. It significantly increased the wound breaking strength showing a ceiling effect at 500 mg/kg p. o. The ethanol root extract at 500 mg/kg p. o. depicted an optimum wound contraction on the 18th day, while complete wound contraction was observed at the 22nd post wound day. It also demonstrated a significant increase in dry tissue weight, total protein, hydroxyproline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione levels, whereas a decrease in the levels of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide was also observed with a potential antibacterial activity. Histopathological studies revealed a normal epithelization and fibrosis which was evidenced through an increase in collagen density. Thus, the study scientifically validated the wound-healing activity of the ethanol root extract along with a potential antibacterial property which may be attributed to the enhanced collagen synthesis and a potential antioxidant activity.

Gastroprotective activity of ethanolic root extract of Potentilla fulgens Wall. ex Hook

Ethnopharmacological relevancePotentilla fulgens (Wall.) ex Hook. (Rosaceae) is a potent medicinal plant of the Western Himalayas, known under the name “Himalayan Cinquefoil or Bajradanti”, and has been used traditionally to treat ailments including peptic ulcers, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, diabetes and cancer. ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to scientifically evaluate the gastric-ulcer protective effect of P. fulgens ethanolic root extract (EPF) on experimental rats. Material and methodsThe gastroprotective activity of EPF was evaluated on four gastric-ulcer models such as pyloric ligation (PL), ethanol (EtOH), cold restrain stress (CRS) and aspirin (ASP)-induced gastric ulcers. The gastric acid obtained from 4h PL-induced gastric ulcer rats was determined for total volume content, pH and total acid–pepsin output. Total carbohydrates and protein ratio, expressed as index of mucin activity, and DNA content were estimated in the gastric juice and gastric mucosal tissue. The microvascular permeability, H+K+–ATPase activity, gastric mucus and histamine content were also determined. The levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione) and malondialdehyde in the stomach tissue (mucosal scrapings) were quantified. A histopathological study of the stomach was evaluated using eosin–haematoxylin stain. ResultsEPF (200–400mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant protection against acute gastric-ulcer induced by EtOH, PL and CRS (400mg/kg, p.o.), but was found to be ineffective against ASP-induced ulcerogens. The effect of EPF on gastric juice studies in 4h PL rats significantly produced an increased level in gastric pH, whereas the effect on gastric volume and acid–pepsin output was observed to decrease significantly. However, EPF was found to have no significant effect on the defensive factors, thus revealing its antisecretory property by inhibiting the aggressive factors. EPF, significantly decreased the histamine level, inhibited the H+K+–ATPase activity and prevented the microvascular injury caused by ethanol in the rat stomach. Moreover, it was also observed to have antioxidant effects by producing a significant increase in the levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH and decreased the LPO activity. Histopathological studies showed that EPF significantly prevented gastric lesions caused by ethanol. ConclusionsThe present study showed that EPF has potent gastroprotective and antisecretory effects, thus justifying the traditional usage of this herb to treat gastric ulcers.

Antiurolithiatic activity of ethanolic root extract of Saccharum spontaneum on glycolic acid induced urolithiasis in rats

 M.Sathyaa, R.Kokilavani b, M.SathyaaResearch scholar, Department of Biochemistry,Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-29Dr. R.Kokilavani bAssociate Professor and Head, Department of Biochemistry,Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-29Corresponding authorE - mail: Sathya_biom84@yahoo.co.inAbstract           The effect of the alcoholic extract of Saccharum spontaneum (Poaceae) against glycolic acid induced urolithiasis urolithiasis in albino rats is summarized in this study. Lithiasis was induced in rats by fed with a calculi-producing diet (CPD: commercial diet mixed with 3% glycolic acid) for 28 days and was manifested by high urinary calcium, phosphate, oxalate, protein, and low urinary magnesium content. Therapeutic treatment with plant extract (200 and 300mg/kg b.wt.dose-1 day-1oral-1) has significantly ameliorated to near normalcy in the curative group. It also increased the urine volume, thereby reducing the tendency for crystallization. These results of the present study concluded that S.spontaneum can play an important role in the prevention of disorders associated with kidney stone formation. Keywords: Urolithiasis, Saccharum spontaneum, glycolic acid, calcium, oxalate, phosphorus

Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extract of the root of Morinda citrifolia (Rubiaceae)

The aim of this work was to estimate the total phenolic and flavonoid content, and to evaluatein-vitro antioxidant activity of ethanolic root extract of Morinda citrifolia (MCREt) which belongs to the family Rubiaceae. The raw, dry root powder was extracted with 99.9% of ethanol. Phytochemical test shows that the extract contains higher level of total phenol and flavonoids. Total phenolic compound in ethanolic root extract of M. citrifolia was found to be 92 mg/g of extract calculated as gallic acid equivalent (r2=0.9976) and total flavonoids compound was found to be 36 mg/g of extract calculated as rutin equivalent (r2=0.9985). The extract was screened for its potential antioxidant activities using tests such as hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity, reducing power activity, and hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity. The in-vitroantioxidant assay showed that MCREt posses potent antioxidant activity when compared with reference compound butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). MCREt could be useful for preparation of neutraceuticals as potent antioxidants, to treat various human diseases and its complications. Key words: Rubiaceae, antioxidant activity, phenol, flavonoid, reducing power activity, hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity, Morinda citrifolia.

Antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic effects of <i>Hippocratea africana</i> (Hippocrateaceae) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Evaluation of antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic activity of ethanolic root extract of Hippocratea africana in rats was carried out. Treatment of streptozotocin diabetic rats with the extract caused a significant (P<O.01) reduction in fasting Blood Glucose levels (BGL) of the diabetic rats both in acute study and prolonged treatment (2 weeks). The activity of the extract was comparable to that of the reference drug, glibenclamide. H. africana treatment showed considerable lowering of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and an increase in HDL cholesterol in the treated diabetic group. These results suggest that the root extract of H. africana possesses antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic effect on streptozotocin -induced diabetic ratsKeywords: Antidiabetic; Hyperglycaemia; Hypolipidaemic; Hippocratea africana

Anti-inflammatory activity of Aconitum heterophyllum on cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats

The anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic root extract of Aconitum heterophyllum(225, 450 and 900 mg/kg p.o) has been evaluated in cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats. The extract has reduced inflammation as evidenced by decreased weight of cotton pellet in cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats. The results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory properties of extract and the effects were comparable to diclofenac sodium, a standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Key words: Aconitum heterophyllum, cotton-pellet, inflammation.

Inhibitory effect of Hemidesmus indicus and its active principle 2‐hydroxy 4‐methoxy benzoic acid on ethanol‐induced liver injury

The study evaluates the inhibitory activity of ethanolic root extract of Hemidesmus indicus (H. indicus) and its active principle 2-hydroxy 4-methoxy benzoic acid (HMBA) on liver fibrotic markers and characteristics such as collagen content, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 in ethanol-fed rats. Experimental groups were control, H. indicus (500 mg/kg body weight every day during the last 30 days), HMBA (200 microg/kg body weight every day during the last 30 days), alcohol (5 g/kg body weight by intragastric intubation everyday, i.e. throughout the experimental period of 60 days), alcohol plus H. indicus and alcohol plus HMBA. Ethanol administration significantly increased the levels of liver collagen and hydroxy proline content, cross-linked fluorescence, shrinkage temperature and lipid peroxidation and significantly decreased the solubility of liver collagen and the ascorbic acid content when compared with control rats. On treatment with H. indicus and HMBA the ethanol-fed rats showed significantly reduced levels of liver collagen and hydroxyproline content, cross-linked fluorescence, shrinkage temperature and lipid peroxidation and enhanced solubility of liver collagen and ascorbic acid levels when compared with untreated ethanol-fed rats. MMPs were extracted from the liver of control, H. indicus-treated, HMBA-treated, ethanol-administered, ethanol with H. indicus-coadministered and ethanol with HMBA-coadministered rats. The inhibition was analyzed by gelatin zymography and the percentage of expression was determined by a gel documentation system. The activities of MMPs 2 and 9 were significantly increased in ethanol-supplemented rats. Cotreatment of H. indicus/HMBA with ethanol showed significantly decreased activities of these enzymes when compared with those of the untreated rats. H. indicus/HMBA alone treatment showed no such significant alterations. Thus, our present study reveals the strong inhibitory activity of H. indicus and HMBA on the quantitative and qualitative properties of hepatic collagen and also MMPs involved in the extracellular matrix degradation during ethanol intoxication.