Evaluation of the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of the methanolic extract of Acalypha racemosa leaf in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats

The effects of simultaneous treatment of CCl4 with 60 and 120 mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract of Acalypha racemosa on rat liver were evaluated. Analysis of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities with those of the concentrations of albumin, total protein, unconjugated and total bilirubin was carried out. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content of liverwas determined to investigate a probable mechanism of action of the extract. Histopathological studies were carried out to confirm the observed changes. Administration of CCl4 alone to rats significantlyincreased total bilirubin concentration and the activities of ALT and AST (