Hepatoprotective Activity of Aerva lanata Linn. Against Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Aerva lanata against paracetamol induced liver damage in rats. The hydroalcoholic extract of Aerva lanata (600mg/kg) was administered orally to the animals with hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol (3gm/kg). Silymarin (25mg/kg) was given as reference standard. All the test drugs were administered orally by suspending in 0.5% Carboxy methyl cellulose solution. The plant extract was effective in protecting the liver against the injury induced by paracetamol in rats. This was evident from significant reduction in serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin. It was concluded from the result that the hydroalcoholic extract of Aerva lanata possesses hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats.