RESUMO
In the present study, Uvaria narum (Annonaceae) leaves were evaluated for its possible hepatoprotective potential. Elevation in hepatic biomarkers like SGPT, SGOT, ALP, bilirubin & other biochemical parameters like Cholesterol, triglycerides, urea & tissue LPO, where as decrease in total protein, albumin, glucose & tissue GSH, CAT, SOD was observed in CCl4 induced liver toxicity. Treatment with Silymarin, UNLE-200 and UNLE -400 resorted the altered hepatic biomarkers and biochemical parameters significantly in dose dependent manner. The biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examinations of liver sections. Relative organ weights were also reduced dose dependently in extract treated rats. Overall observations indicates that UNLE exerted remarkable hepatoprotective efficacy against CCl4 induced liver damage were comparable to reference standard Silymarin (100mg/kg) that is, may be due to its augmenting endogenous antioxidant mechanisms. These findings suggest the use of plant for treatment of liver diseases in oriental traditional medicine.
RESUMO
The seeds of Benincasa hispida [Thunb] COGN. [Family: Cucurbitaceae] was extracted with ethanol and was used to study acute toxicity, antinociceptive and anti-pyretic effects. Brewer's yeast [15%] was used to induce pyrexia in rats. The extract was non lethal to the rats up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg b.w. At doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w, the extract significantly [P<0.05] increased the antinociceptive effective in a dose dependent manner in rats. Similarly, at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w the extract significantly [P<0.05] decreased yeastinduced pyrexia in rats. These results indicate that ethanolic extract of Benincasa hispida possesses potent antinociceptive and antipyretic effects and thus pharmacologically justifying its folkloric use in the management of fever and pain conditions