Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of stem bark of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.

OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Pterocarpus marsupium stem bark extracts against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS : Hepatotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (0.1 ml/kg/day for 10 days). Methanol and aqueous extracts of P. marsupium stem bark were administered to the experimental rats (25 mg/kg/day, p.o. for 14 days). The hepatoprotective effect of these extracts was evaluated by the assay of liver function biochemical parameters (total bilirubin, serum protein, alanine aminotransaminase, aspartate aminotransaminase, and alkaline phosphatase activities) and histopathological studies of the liver. RESULTS : In methanol extract-treated animals, the toxic effect of CCl4 was controlled significantly by restoration of the levels of serum bilirubin, protein and enzymes as compared to the normal and the standard drug silymarin-treated groups. Histology of the liver sections of the animals treated with the extracts showed the presence of normal hepatic cords, absence of necrosis and fatty infiltration, which further evidenced the hepatoprotective activity. CONCLUSION : Methanol extract of the stem bark of P. marsupium possesses significant hepatoprotective activity