The protective and curative action of <i>Withania frutescens</i> leaf extract against CCl₄‐induced hepatotoxicity

Abstract

Abstract We studied the protective and curative action of an ethanol extract of Withania frutescens leaves against CCl 4 ‐induced hepatotoxicity. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated in terms of the LD 50 of CCl 4 , the modification of Nembutal‐induced sleep, the action on bile flow, serum transaminase and hepatic fatty acids levels and a histopathological study of liver tissue. Curative action was assessed by measuring the duration of Nembutal‐induced sleep and with a histopathological study of liver tisue. The findings indicate that the leaf extract has both preventative and curative activity against CCL 4 ‐induced liver damage.