Abstract

Launaea procumbens is traditionally used in the treatment of liver dysfunction and hepatitis. In the present study, protective effects of L. procumbens against potassium bromate (KBrO₃)-induced hepatotoxicity of rat were determined. However, 36 male albino rats (180 to 200 g) were equally divided into 6 groups. Group I was given saline (1 ml/kg b.w., 0.85% NaCl) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (1 ml/kg b.w.); Group II was treated with KBrO₃ (20 mg/kg b.w., i.p.); Groups III, IV, V and VI were administered with KBrO₃ and after 48 h with 200 mg/kg b.w.of various fractions of L. procumbens twice a week for 4 weeks. Data showed that the KBrO₃induced oxidative damages were caused by considerable diminution of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) and glutathione reductase (GSR)] and glutathione (GSH) contents. Co-administration revealed that 200 mg/kg b.w. of various fractions of L. procumbens defend the liver against KBrO₃ mediated oxidative damage by restoring activity of antioxidant enzyme, which might be due to the presence of plant bioactive constituents.

Key words: Launaea procumbens, potassium bromate (KBrO₃), catalase (CAT), rats.