ABSTRACT
In the current study, the methanolic extract of Polygonum equisetiforme aerial parts was assessed for its protectiveeffect towards carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic damage in Sprague-Dawley rats. Polygonum equisetiformeextract’s hepatoprotective activity was explored by calculating hepatic marker enzyme levels of the rats: alanineaminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) together with the oxidative stress mediator levelsas nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxidedismutase (SOD). Results showed that the use of the extract at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/kg showed asubstantial reduction in ALT and AST serum levels as well as a considerable decrease in oxidative stress mediators NO,MDA and an increase in antioxidant enzyme levels GSH, GPx, and SOD. These biochemical results were reinforcedby examining the histopathological features of the liver. Thus, the P. equisetiforme aerial parts demonstrated markedprotective impact of the liver that likely due to the synergistic action of its flavonoids content