Evaluating the hepatoprotective effects of some Egyptian plant extracts against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

ABSTRACT

METHANOL extract of Alhagi maurorun, Conyza dioscoridis, and Bidens bipinnata were evaluated for any hepatoprotective effects. Preliminary phytochemical studies were carried out to find their constituents. The acute toxicity of increased doses was studied in mice. Carbon tetrachloride [CCI[4]] increased serum aminotransferases [ALT, AST] and GGT activities and decreased serum glucose, total bilirubin and triglycerides levels. Rats treated with CCI[4] showed severe degenerative and necrotic changes [centrolobular] in the hepatocytes. Oral administration of methanol extract [1000 mg kg[-1]] of Alhagi maurorum. Conyza dioscoridis and Bidens bipinnata significantly inhibited these deleterious effects indicating hepatoprotective effects. Alhagi maurorum followed by Bidens bipinnata were the most effective. No toxic symptoms were reported in doses up to 2.5 g kg[-1]. Unsaturated sterols, triterpenes, tannins, flavonoids and carbohydrates and/or glycosides were the major active constituents