Effect of aqueous extract of Azadirachta Indica leaves on hepatotoxicity induced by antitubercular drugs in rats

Abstract

Objective: To assess the hepatoprotective activity of Azadirachta indica (AI) aqueous leaf extract on antitubercular drugs-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by combination of isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide given orally as suspension for 30 days. Treatment groups received Al aqueous leaf extract along with antitubercular drugs. In the second phase of study the effect of Al aqueous leaf extract on established hepatotoxicity was studied by giving the extract for 20 days after withdrawal of antitubercular drugs. Liver damage was assessed by biochemical and histological parameters. Results: Alaqueous leaf extract significantly (P<0.05) prevented changes in the serum levels of bilirubin, protein, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Similarly it significantly prevented the histological changes as compared to the group receiving antitubercular drugs. It also significantly reversed the biochemical and histological changes. Conclusion: Al aqueous leaf extract significantly prevents and reverses the hepatotoxic damage induced by antitubercular drugs in rats.