Abstract

In the present study, the hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Apiumgraveolens L. (celery) seeds was tested against Di-(2- ethylhexyl) phthalate(DEHP) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Oral administration of DEHP (1000 mg/kg b.wt/day) for 6 weeks in rats caused a significant increase in the levels of serum marker enzymes like serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatases (ALP) and the levels of total bilirubin and hepatic lipid peroxidation (TBARS). The levels of serum protein, hepatic glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid were decreased, administration of A.graveolens seeds extract (300 mg/kg b.wt./day p.o.) for 6 weeks results in a significant recovery of these biochemical parameters toward normalcy compared with the DEPC treated and control rats.

Key words: Apium graveolens, hepatic toxicity, di-(2- ethylhexyl) phthalate, hepatic marker enzymes