Abstract

Ethanolic extract of the root of Plumbago indica was investigated for hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol induced liver damage. Various biochemical parameters were studied to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic root extract. Total bilirubin, total protein, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, γ‐Glutamyl transferase, total cholesterol and serum triglycerides were determined to assess the effect of the extract on the paracetamol induced hepatic damage. The study was also supported by histopathology of liver sections. Results of this study revealed that the markers in the animals treated with paracetamol recorded elevated concentration, indicating severe hepatic damage by paracetamol, whereas the blood samples from the animals treated with 200 mg/kg body weight (b.w) and 400 mg/kg (b.w) of ethanolic root extract of P. indica showed significant reduction in the serum markers indicating the effect of the root extract in restoring the normal functional ability of the hepatocytes. Silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.) was given as reference drug. The present study reveals that the ethanolic root extract of P. indica could afford a significant protection against paracetamol‐induced hepatocellular injury.

Key words: Plumbago indica, ethanolic root extract, hepatoprotective activity, paracetamol liver damage.