Hepatoprotective and toxicological evaluation of hepatomed, an ayurvedic drug.

ABSTRACT

Hepatoprotective effect of Hepatomed (an ayurvedic drug containing water extract of 6 medicinal plants) has been studied on cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) induced lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione content in rat liver homogenate. In vitro experiments show significant reduction in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by 1.5 mM cumene hydroperoxide(CHP). Glutathione content was almost maintained to normal in drug treated rats. Oral treatment of drug up to 3 ml/100 g body weight for 15 days did not show any rise in serum GOT and GPT. On similar doses, significant choleratic effect was observed without any adverse histological changes after 4 days treatment. The results suggest that 'Hepatomed' is a strong hepatoprotective ayurvedic medicine with no detectable adverse effects.