Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of stem extracts of Cuscuta reflexa (roxb) on thioacetamide induced liver damage in rats

Abstract

Cuscuta Reflexa (Convolvulaceae) is a plant with a variety of ethnic medicinal uses along with antioxidant activity. Hence it was planned to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity with alcoholic (AESCR) and aqueous (AQESCR) extracts of stem of C. reflexa. Hepatoprotective activity of both the extracts was studied against thioacetamide induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Functional (thiopentone induced sleeping time), biochemical parameters Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Serum direct bilirubin (BILD), Serum total bilirubin (BILT), Serum albumin (ALB), Serum total proteins (PRO) and histopathological changes of livers were assessed in control/toxicant/standard/ and extract treated animals with thioacetamide induced hepatotoxic models in rats. In LD₅₀ studies for AESCR and AQESCR up to the maximum dose level of 2000 g/kg dose no mortality was observed in any of the animals, indicating the practically nontoxic. When compared to toxicant control groups both the extracts have significantly reduced the thioacetamide induced elevated levels of serum ALT, AST, ALP, BILT, BILD and elevated the levels of ALB and PRO. The histopathological changes (steatosis), necrosis etc. were partly or fully prevented in animals treated with the two extracts.  AESCR and AQESCR showed a significant hepatoprotective effect against thioacetamide induced hepatic damage. The medium and high doses of AESCR and AQESCR (200 and 400 mg/kg) treated groups showed better hepatoprotective activity when compared to standard drug silymarin (25 mg/kg p.o.) treated group.