Potential Effect of Marrubium vulgare L. extracts on CCL4 model induced hepatotoxicity in albino mice

Abstract

Marrubium vulgare L. (white horehound) belongs to  Lamiaceae family. The plant is formerly much esteemed in hepatic affections and in phthisism. This work was conducted to investigate hepatoprotective and therapeutic effects of Marrubium vulgare aqueous ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts on CCL₄ induced liver cell toxicity in mice. The aerial parts of Marrubium vulgar were defatted and then were extracted with 70% aqueous ethanol. Liver and kidney functions, catalase activity as well as lipid peroxidation were measured. Silymarin in a recommended dose was used as a reference drug. Malonaldialdehyde concentration in Marrubium extracts treated mice was considerably decreased as compared to CCL₄ or silymarin treated mice. Liver and kidney function parameters remained in the normal levels in extracts treated groups. Administration of Marrubium ethanolic extract significantly enhanced superoxide dismutase and catalase activity also total antioxidant capacity with significant reduction in lipidperoxide conc. when extract used as protective or therapeutic agents. Marrubium vulgare L extracts produced potent therapeutic activity than hepatoprotective activity and it was more effective than silymarin in two cases.