ABSTRACT
Liver disease is universal problem. In the absence of reliable liver-protective drugs in allopathic medical practices, herbal products take a role in the management of various liver diseases. Current investigation was to examine hepatoprotective potential of Macaranga peltata (Family Euphorbiaceae) on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.METHODSThe aerial parts of Macaranga peltata dry powder was extracted with various solvents (PE, EA and methanol) through Soxhlet extractor and crude extract was utilized testing of hepatoprotective activity. Paracetamol (2 g/Kg b. wt.) given orally to rats induced hepatotoxicity on the 5th day of the investigational period.RESULTSRats with paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity exhibited elevated (p<0.001) activities of liver enzymes [SGOT, SGPT, ALP, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)], creatinine, urea, total bilirubin, total cholesterol & TG and reduced total protein in serum. Furthermore, rats which were given oral methanolic concentrates of Macaranga peltata (200 mg/Kg b. wt.) showed major reduction in the level of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) creatinine, urea, total bilirubin, total cholesterol & triglycerides and also significantly elevated the concentration of total protein and albumin when compared to other concentrates.CONCLUSIONThus, results suggest that methanolic concentrates of Macaranga peltata could afford better hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats.