ABSTRACT
Aims: The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Drynaria quercifolia fronds (Dq), its fractions and isolated compound (Dq-4) from ethyl acetate (EA) fraction. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacognosy and Department of Herbal Drug Research, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, between June 2010 and May 2012. Methodology: The toxicant CCl4 (1ml/kg) was administered on 4th and 5th day to induce hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats (in-vivo) and the in-vitro hepatoprotection was evaluated against CCl4 (1%) induced toxicity in HepG2 cellines. Results: The pre-treatment of rats with Dq extract, EA fraction and Dq-4 for 7 days produced a significant dose dependent hepatoprotective action by decreased levels of hepatic enzymes, total bilirubin and TBARS and increased levels of total proteins, albumin, and reduced glutathione. The histological examination provided the supportive evidences. Additionally, Dq extract, EA fraction and Dq-4 significantly decreased the CCl4-induced in-vitro toxicity in HepG2 cellines evident by MTT reduction assay and trypan blue method. Conclusion: The study scientifically validated the traditional use of D. quercifolia for liver disorders and strongly demonstrates antioxidative effect on hepatocytes in restoring their normal architecture and functional ability.