RESUMO
Objective: To study the protective effect of ethyl acetate extract of Acacia catechu in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Methods: The liver damage in albino rat was induced by a subcutaneous injection of 50%v/ v carbon tetrachloride in olive oil at the dose of 2ml/kg twice a week for 14days. The hepatoprotective activity was monitored biochemically by estimating serum transaminases, serum alkaline phosphatase, serum bilirubin and serum protein after intraperitoneal injection of ethyl acetate extract of Katha(250mg/kg). Silymarin(5mg/kg.I.P) was given as a reference drug. The histopathological changes of liver samples were compared with that of control. Results: Ethyl acetate extract of Acacia catechu inhibited carbon tetrachloride induced liver toxicity in albino rats at 250mg/kg body weight as assessed by the biochemical and histological examination. Conclusion: Ethyl acetate extract of “Katha” exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity.