CCl4-induced Toxicity In Rats Research Articles

Assessment of hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of Vitis vinifera leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride induced toxicity in rats

Background: Vitis vinifera is known for its antimicrobial activity; however, the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extracts of aerial parts has also been reported, but the nephroprotective and hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extracts have not yet been evaluated. Objective: To evaluate Vitis vinifera's hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activities against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. Methods: Two doses of ethanolic extract of Vitis vinifera (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) were evaluated and compared with silymarin 100 mg/kg. Biochemical blood parameters like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), bilirubin, urea, uric acid, total protein and creatinine, and histopathologic changes of liver and kidney were studied and evaluated. Results: Vitis vinifera reduced the elevated blood levels of ALT, AST, ALP, urea, and creatinine, with the ethanol extract to 200 mg/kg/day being more effective. The histopathologic evaluation suggested that Vitis vinifera decreased hepatic and renal necrosis induced by CCl4. The more significant dose resulted in reductions in AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, and bilirubin of 54, 27, 56, 36, and 17%, respectively. Ethanolic extract 200 mg/kg/day also shows a reduction in elevated levels of Creatinine, Urea, Uric Acid, and Total Protein by 61%, 58%, 29%, and 9%, respectively. Conclusion: Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activities of ethanol extract of Vitis vinifera were demonstrated, with ethanol extract to 200 mg/kg/day being the most effective. This presents scientific evidence for using medicinal plants such as Vitis vinifera in managing liver and kidney disorders.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective and Nephroprotective Effect of Α- Pinene on Wistar Albino Rat

Introduction: Hepato-renal toxicity is a devastating, non-communicable disease. Because of a lack of information on low-cost management to combat the disease, this study postulates the ameliorative effect of selected phytoconstituents against toxicity. Aim and Objective: The current study reveals an active phytoconstituent, α- Pinene, that has the ability to combat the degenerative effects of CCl4. Methodology: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is an organic xenobiotic molecule as well as the most potent hepatotoxic agent used (1200 mg/kg body weight; i.p.) to induce hepato-renal toxicity in experimental rats. To determine in vivo hepato-renal toxicity, three different doses (0.05 ml/kg body weight, 0.1 ml/kg body weight, and 0.15 ml/kg body weight; intraperitoneally) were chosen. Vitamin C at the dose of 250 mg/kg/p.o. was used as a standard, due to its maximum ameliorative activity against oxidative damage in CCl4-induced hepato-renal toxicity in rats. For 7 days, the animals were pre-treated with α-pinene and Vitamin C. CCl4 was charged only on the 7th day. Result and Conclusion: The related biochemical tests were studied. CCl4 intoxication reduces mitochondrial membrane potential in liver and kidney cells, which accelerates excessive intracellular ROS production, but α-pinene pretreatment successfully restores it in both liver and kidney cells. Pretreatment with α-pinene and vitamin C for 7 days increased intracellular ameliorative capability in hepatic and renal cells significantly (p 0.01). In conclusion, α-pinene is capable of restoring antioxidant status by quenching intracellular ROS. As a result, α-pinene has the potential to provide hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats.

Antioxidant properties and hepatoprotective effect of the edible halophyte Crithmum maritimum L. against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

A number of studies have shown the importance of halophyte species as sources of natural antioxidants. Crithmum maritimum is considered an edible and medicinal plant, though in vivo studies of this plant still are necessary to elucidate its potential benefits in alleviating toxicity. The present work was undertaken to investigate the major components and the antioxidant profile of C. maritimum leaf hydro-methanolic extract (CME) and the protective effects of C. maritimum (CM) against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. Using LC–ESI–MS analysis, 17 phenolic compounds were identified in plant extract, with chlorogenic acid being the major component. The levels of total phenolic acids, total flavonoids and flavonols were ca. 26 mg GAE/g DW, 15.6 mg CE/g DW and 12 mg QE/g DW, respectively. Accordingly, CME showed important in vitro antioxidant activities (DPPH and ORAC). Moreover, CM supplementation to CCl4-intoxicated rats partially restored the impaired hepatic markers (ALT and AST activities and creatinine level), and reduced the CCl4-induced oxidative stress as shown by lipid peroxidation, GSH and protein carbonyl levels. The drug metabolizing system was also evaluated in liver by the measurement of some cytochrome P450-dependent activities such as ECOD, EROD and pNPH and the antioxidant DT-diaphorase, CAT and heme oxygenase activities. Thus, CM treatment reduced the enzymatic perturbations induced by CCl4 and hepatic damages observed from histopathological examination. The obtained results highlight the potential interest of C. maritimum as a source of bioactive compounds with relevant hepatoprotective effects.

Hepatoprotective effect of desi and kabuli cultivars of <i>Cicer arietinum</i> L (chick peas) against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in rats

Purpose: To determine the hepatoprotective potential of ethanol extracts of desi and kabuli cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. (chick peas).
 Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats using oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The rats were then orally administered different doses of the ethanol extracts of desi and kabuli cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. for 21 days. Oxidative stress parameters and hepatoprotective profiles were determined in serum samples using standard procedures. The effect of the treatments on liver histology was also determined.
 Results: Administration of extracts of desi and kabuli cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. to CCl4 treated rats at a dose of 300 mg/kg resulted in a significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in oxidative stress parameters, whereas catalase activity significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05); on the other hand, ALT and AST levels were decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05), when compared to the control group.
 Conclusion: High doses of Cicer arietinum L (desi and kabuli cultivars) seem to have hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. This finding underscores the therapeutic importance of Cicer arietinum L. as a plant with hepatoprotective properties.
 Keywords: Cicer arietinum, Phenolics, Hepatotoxicity, Chick peas, Catalase

Hepatoprotective effect of hydroethanol extracts of Allium sativum and Carica papaya on CCl4- induced liver damage in rats

Plant-based products, believed to be less toxic have been employed as hepatoprotective agents in recent times. Polyherbal therapy is reported to have therapeutic benefits over single herb therapy. Allium sativum and Carica papaya are two known plants used traditionally for the treatment of liver related diseases. Thus, in this study, the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of hydroethanol extracts of Allium sativum cloves (Garlic) and Carica papaya (Pawpaw) leafs (singly and combined) against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats was evaluated. Thirty male albino rats used were classed into six (groups A- F) groups of five rats each and treated (orally) for 14 days. Group A- rats + distilled water (negative control); Group B- rats + CCl4 in olive oil (positive control); Group C- rats + 200 mg/ kg-day combined extract of A. sativum and C. papaya (1: 1 ratio); Group D- rats + 200 mg/ kg-day extract of A. sativum; Group E- rats + 200 mg/ kg-day extract of C. papaya; Group F- rats + 100 mg/kg bw of silymarin. CCl4 induce hepatotoxicity was characterized by an upsurge (P<0.05) in serum Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Transaminase (ALT) activities, and total bilirubin. Also, CCl4 administration led to a substantial reduction (P<0.05) of reduced glutathione (GSH), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and an increase (P<0.05) in lipid peroxidation (MDA) in the liver tissue. However, treatment with hydroethanol extract of A. sativum and C. papaya prevented the CCl4 induced lipid peroxidation and returned the altered marker enzymes of serum and antioxidant enzymes level to near normal. The extracts of both plants demonstrated significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity as reflected by the results. Comparatively, the combined extract gave the most promising antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential, which may be due to positive synergistic effects of both plants over either plant used singly, thereby vindicating the use of polyherbal remedy over a single herb.

Hepatoprotective effect of a fucoidan extract from Sargassum fluitans Borgesen against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats

The in vivo antifibrotic effect of a fucoidan extract (FE) from Sargassum fluitans Borgesen was evaluated in a carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage model in rats over twelve weeks. Chemical analysis showed the FE to contain carbohydrates, sulfates, uronic acids, protein, phenols, and to have a molecular weight of ~60 kDa. Physiological, biochemical, histological and genetic assays were done. Daily oral administration of FE (50 mg/kg) reduced liver enzymatic activity, liver infiltration of inflammatory cells, collagen fiber deposition and gene expression cytokines such as interleukin beta 1 (IL-β1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), Smad-3, Smad-2, collagen 1 alpha 1 (col1α1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1). It also increased RNA expression of Smad-7 and metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP2 and MMP9). The fucoidan extract exhibited an antifibrotic effect mediated by the inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad pathway, as well as anti-inflammatory effects.

Protective Effects of Ammannia baccifera Against CCl4-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats.

Ammannia baccifera Linn. is commonly used as a traditional medicine in India and China. The antioxidant potential of an ethanolic extract of A. baccifera (EEAB; 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) was evaluated against CCL4-induced toxicity in rats. Antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Phytochemical constituents of EEAB were also analyzed by using UHPLC-QTOF-MS. EEAB treatment markedly reduced CCl4 effects on lipid peroxidation, cholesterol, triacylglycerides, and protein carbonyls. It increased the levels of phospholipids, total sulfhydryl, and antioxidant enzymes, which were reduced by CCl4 intoxication. Treatment with EEAB significantly alleviated the CCl4 effect on non-enzymatic antioxidants. Isoenzyme pattern analyses revealed that significant alterations in superoxide dismutase (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase (GPx2, GPx3), and catalase (CAT) occurred in rats that were exposed to CCl4 and restored post EEAB treatment. Moreover, CCl4-induced down regulation of SOD, CAT, and GPx gene expression was conversely counteracted by EEAB. Its bioactivity may be due to its incorporation of major compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, quercetin, protocatechuic acid, lamioside, crocetin, and khayasin C. These results suggest that EEAB may be used as a potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective agent since it is a rich source of flavonoids and phenolic compounds.

Heptoprotective Role of Artemisia scoparia Waldst. and Kit Against CCl4-induced Toxicity in Rats

Heptoprotective Role of Artemisia scoparia Waldst. and Kit Against CCl4-induced Toxicity in Rats

Subacute Effects of Standardized F umaria Vaillantii Lois. Ethanol Extract on Trace Element Levels, Biochemical and Histopathological Parameters in Experimental Liver Toxicity

In this study, the hepatoprotective activity of ethanol extracts of Fumaria vaillantii Lois. was investigated against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. F. vaillantii (500 mg/kg) caused a significant decrease in the plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and tissue malondialdehyde levels, and a significant increase in the reduced glutathione and catalase levels, compared with the CCl4 group. These findings were approved by histopathological observations. Additionally, a significant decrease was found in liver Cu levels (18.5%) of the extract-treated group (500 mg/kg), while an increase in liver Zn (16.2%) levels was observed compared with the CCl4 group. These changes in liver Zn and Cu levels caused by F. vaillantii extract may contribute to its positive effects on liver toxicity. Phenolic acids and flavonoids in the extract were examined and the extract was standardized by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection on the basis of rutin, chlorogenic and caffeic acids as markers. Practical Applications Fumaria species have been used both as food and traditional medicine. In some Mediterranean countries, the leaves of the plant are cooked or eaten as salad. In Turkey, they are also being drunk as herbal tea, eaten as salad and roasted. The results suggested that F. vaillantii ethanol extract standardized by rutin, chlorogenic and caffeic acids had a significant protective effect against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Therefore, F. vaillantii can be consumed safely and because of its beneficial effect on liver toxicity, its standardized ethanol extract can be used in the preparation of herbal medicines or food supplements in pharmaceutical and food industry.

The hepato-ameliorating effect of Solanum nigrum against CCl4 induced liver toxicity in Albino rats

The present study was investigated to evaluate the hepato-ameliorating and antioxidant activity of two aqueous extracts of Solanum nigrum (SN) against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. Male Albino rats were divided in four groups with 8 animals in each group. Group (1) was normal group and group (2) was injected intraperitoneal (i.p.) with CCl4 (1ml/kg) 3 times weekly for 2 weeks (control). Group (3) was injected with CCl4 and then treated with extract from whole plant of Solanum nigrum (500 mg/kg) and group (4) was injected with CCl4 and then treated with extract from fruits of Solanum nigrum (250 mg/kg). CCl4 injection enhanced activity of hepatic enzymes (AST and ALT) while it decreased serum total protein and albumin in experimental animals. It also decreased RBC, platelets count, PCV and Hb levels. However it increased WBC count. CCl4 injection increased level of lipid peroxidation resulting in a decrease in the level of enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants. Treatment with two extracts of Solanum nigrum altered these changes to near normal levels. Buthepato-ameliorating and antioxidant effects of extract of Solanum nigrum fruits were found to be better than those of extract from whole plant of Solanum nigrum.

Hepatoprotective effect of acetonic and methanolic extracts of Heterotheca inuloides against CCl 4-induced toxicity in rats

A model of hepatotoxicity by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4) in rats was used in order to evaluate the protective potential of the acetonic and methanolic extracts of Heterotheca inuloides. Pretreatment with the two H. inuloides extracts attenuated the increase in the activity of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) observed in CCl 4-induced liver injury. The protective effect was confirmed by the analysis of tissue slides stained with hematoxylin–eosin and periodic acid/Schiff’s reagent. Additionally, the two extracts are scavengers to the superoxide radical as was observed by electron paramagnetic resonance. Due to the fact that the methanolic extract resulted in a better protective effect in the previous experiments, it was used to investigate in more detail the mechanism of hepatoprotection. Quercetin, one of the main components of the extract, with known hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity was used as a positive control. Pretreatment of animals with the methanolic extract or quercetin, was associated with the prevention of 4-hydroxynonenal and 3-nitrotyrosine increase in the liver, two markers of oxidative stress. Furthermore, the decrease in the activity of several antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in CCl 4-induced liver injury was alleviated by the pretreatment with H. inuloides methanolic extract or quercetin. These results suggest that the hepatoprotective capacity of H. inuloides methanolic extract is associated with its antioxidant properties, which would also explain the biomedical properties attributed to this plant.

Effect of Long-Term Dietary Administration of Oregano on the Alleviation of Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats

This study aimed at evaluating the protective effect of long-term dietary oregano on the alleviation of carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in rats. Twenty-four female Wistar rats were allocated to four groups of six animals each. Groups 1 (control) and 2 (CCl 4) were fed a basal diet, while groups 3 (oregano) and 4 (oregano + CCl 4) were fed the basal diet supplemented further with ground oregano at 1% level. Following six-week feeding, the rats of groups 2 and 4 were given a single intraperitoneal injection of CCl 4 at a dose of 1 mL/kg bw. Six hours after the CCl 4 injection, all animals were sacrificed, and serum, liver, kidney, and heart tissue samples were collected. Analysis results showed that the addition of oregano significantly increased the total phenolic content and the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity of the basal diet but had no effect on its lipid peroxidation index. Treatment with CCl 4 of rats from the CCl 4 group caused a significant increase in aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum, whereas it decreased cholesterol and triglyceride content as compared to the control. It also increased the lipid peroxidation index and decreased the scavenging activities of the 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid diammonium salt (ABTS) radical cation, the hydroxyl anion radical, the superoxide anion radical, and the hydrogen peroxide in all tested tissues, as compared to that of the control. Without CCl 4 treatment, diet supplementation with oregano had no effect on these biochemical parameters, excluding the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, which was increased in all tested tissues as compared to that of the control. Feeding oregano before CCl 4 treatment resulted in a significant decline of the increase in AST, ALT, and ALP activities ( P < 0.05 vs CCl 4 group), but the recorded values could not attain those of the control group ( P < 0.05 vs control group). It significantly increased the reduced cholesterol and triglycerides ( P < 0.05 vs CCl 4 group) to values not differing from those of the control. It also resulted in a significant reduction of the increased malondialdehyde ( P < 0.05 vs CCl 4 group) to values that could not attain the levels of the control but had no significant effect ( P > 0.05) on the reduced ABTS radical cation scavenging activity. It increased significantly the reduced hydroxyl anion radical scavenging activity ( P < 0.05 vs CCl 4 group) to values that could not attain those of the control in all tested tissues except kidney. Additionally, it resulted in a significant elevation of the decreased superoxide anion radical scavenging activity in serum and liver but had no effect in kidney and heart, whereas it also resulted in a significant elevation of the decreased hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity in liver, kidney, and heart but had no effect in serum. These results suggest that dietary oregano may effectively improve the impaired antioxidant status in CCl 4-induced toxicity in rats.

Ameliorative action of cyanobacterial phycoerythrin on CCl 4-induced toxicity in rats

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4) is largely used as solvent in chemical industries. Carbon tetrachloride is also well known for hepatic and renal toxic actions. The in vivo metabolism of carbon tetrachloride to trichloromethyl (CCl 3 ) and peroxy trichloromethyl ( OOCCl 3) radicals has been extensively reported to cause acute liver damage like cirrhosis, steatosis and necrosis. We have evaluated protective action of purified cyanobacterial phycoerythrin (C-PE) on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in male rats. Rats were orally treated with 25 and 50 mg/kg BW of C-PE along with CCl 4 (50% CCl 4, 0.5 ml/kg BW, intraperitoneally) for 28 consecutive days. Results demonstrated that C-PE dose-responsively ameliorates CCl 4-toxicity by significantly decreasing ( P < 0.05) organs weight, aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, lipid profile, creatinine, uric acid and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations with rise in body weight, food intake, hemoglobin, protein, bilirubin and FRAP values. Neither C-PE nor CCl 4 influenced on serum minerals. Hepatic and renal tissues showed significant decline ( P < 0.05) in malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes with rise in SOD, catalase, GPx, GSH, vitamin-E and vitamin-C levels. Presently observed pharmacological effect on CCl 4 toxicity were from tetrapyrrole molecule and to some extent bilirubin biotransformations, as well as metabolic (dietary protein) actions of C-PE.

Protective Effects of Garlic Oil against Liver Damage Induced by Combined Administration of Ethanol and Carbon Tetrachloride in Rats

Herbs are known to play a vital role in the management of various liver diseases. Garlic oil (GO) contains numerous organosulfur compounds with potential hepatoprotective effects. The present work was planned to evaluate the possible preventive role of GO on biochemical and histopathological alterations induced by combined administration of ethanol (EOH) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rat liver. Two dose levels of GO (5 or 10 mg/kg/day) were administered orally to rats for 7 consecutive days with EOH + CCl4-induced liver damage. Activity of GO against liver damage was compared with that of silymarin (25 mg/kg/day, p.o. for 7 consecutive days). Biochemical parameters including serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (γ–GT), alkaline phophatase (ALP) and bilirubin were estimated to assess the liver function. In addition, the level of total proteins, triglycerides, total cholesterol, glutathione (GSH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), in liver tissues were estimated. Liver damage was evidenced by an increase in the activity/level of AST, ALT, γ-GT, ALP and bilirubin in sera of rats after the combined administration of EOH and CCl4 compared to normal animals. Pretreatment of rats with GO reduced the EOH + CCl4-induced elevated levels of the above indices. Similarly, GO significantly prevented the decline in total proteins and the increase in triglycerides and total cholesterol resulted after EOH + CCl4 administration in rat liver homogenates. In addition, GO pretreatment restored liver GSH levels decreased due to EOH + CCl4 administration. The elevation in liver TBARS level due to EOH + CCl4 administration was also prevented by pretreatment with both low and high doses of GO. Histopathological examination indicated that GO exhibited an obvious preventive effect against the centrilobular necrosis and nodule formation induced by EOH + CCl4 administration. In conclusion, GO exerts hepatoprotective actions against EOH + CCl4-induced toxicity in rats.

Protective Effects of Garlic Oil against Liver Damage Induced by Combined Administration of Ethanol and Carbon Tetrachloride in Rats

Herbs are known to play a vital role in the management of various liver diseases. Garlic oil (GO) contains numerous organosulfur compounds with potential hepatoprotective effects. The present work was planned to evaluate the possible preventive role of GO on biochemical and histopathological alterations induced by combined administration of ethanol (EOH) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rat liver. Two dose levels of GO (5 or 10 mg/kg/day) were administered orally to rats for 7 consecutive days with EOH + CCl4-induced liver damage. Activity of GO against liver damage was compared with that of silymarin (25 mg/kg/day, p.o. for 7 consecutive days). Biochemical parameters including serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (γ–GT), alkaline phophatase (ALP) and bilirubin were estimated to assess the liver function. In addition, the level of total proteins, triglycerides, total cholesterol, glutathione (GSH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), in liver tissues were estimated. Liver damage was evidenced by an increase in the activity/level of AST, ALT, γ-GT, ALP and bilirubin in sera of rats after the combined administration of EOH and CCl4 compared to normal animals. Pretreatment of rats with GO reduced the EOH + CCl4-induced elevated levels of the above indices. Similarly, GO significantly prevented the decline in total proteins and the increase in triglycerides and total cholesterol resulted after EOH + CCl4 administration in rat liver homogenates. In addition, GO pretreatment restored liver GSH levels decreased due to EOH + CCl4 administration. The elevation in liver TBARS level due to EOH + CCl4 administration was also prevented by pretreatment with both low and high doses of GO. Histopathological examination indicated that GO exhibited an obvious preventive effect against the centrilobular necrosis and nodule formation induced by EOH + CCl4 administration. In conclusion, GO exerts hepatoprotective actions against EOH + CCl4-induced toxicity in rats.

Evaluation of root quality of Bupleurum species by TLC scanner and the liver protective effects of “Xiao-chai-hu-tang” prepared using three different Bupleurum species

A simple and quick quantitative analysis of saikosaponins a, c and d, the major bioactive principles contained in Bupleurum species, by TLC scanner is described. Results with Bupleurum kaoi, the species native to Taiwan, showed that the roots, rhizomes and aerial parts (leaves and stem) have greater quantities of saikosaponins than cultivated B. falcatum var. komarowi and imported B. chinense. The liver protective effects of water extracts of “Xiao-Chai-Hu-Tang” (XCHT), a mixture of seven crude drugs, prepared using roots of the three different Bupleurum species and aerial parts of B. kaoi and B. falcatum var. komarowi, were evaluated using CCl 4-induced toxicity in rats. The acute increase of serum transaminase (SGOT and SGPT) levels caused by CCl 4 administration (3.0 ml kg , s.c.) was dramatically reduced when treated with XCHT prepared with the roots of B. kaoi. The histological metamorphoses such as fatty changes, ballooning degeneration, cell necrosis and lymphocyte and Kupffer cell increases around the central vein, were clearly decreased by XCHT prepared with B. kaoi. Furthermore, water extracts of aerial parts of both B. kaoi and cultivated B. falcatum var. komarowi decreased SGOT and SGPT levels and moderately reduced the pathological changes.