Abstract

Launaea procumbens (LP) traditionally has been used in hepatic disorders. In this study, protective effects of methanol extract (LP) were evaluated in male Sprague Dawley rats biweekly for 4 weeks against KBrO₃. KBrO₃ induced elevation of liver serum marker enzymes (alanine transaminase (ALT), amino transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)) as well as the alteration of cholesterol profile total cholesterol, triglycerides low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). The results showed that the administration of LP significantly lowered the KBrO₃-induced serum level of hepatic marker enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP and LDH), total cholesterol, triglycerides low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). These results suggest that LP could protect liver against the KBrO₃-induced oxidative damage in rats.

Key words: Launaea procumbens, amino transaminase (AST), potassium bromate (KBrO₃), low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol.