Balderas-Renteria I, Camacho-Corona MR, Carranza-Rosales P, Lozano-Garza HG, Castillo-Nava D, Álvarez-Mendoza FJ, Tamez-Cantú EM

Language: English
References: 10
Page: 251-254
PDF size: 151.56 Kb.

Text Extraction

Many hepatoprotective herbal preparations have been recommended in alternative systems of medicine for the treatment of hepatic disorders. No systematic study has been done on protective efficacy of Leucophyllum frutescens to treat hepatic diseases. Protective action of L. frutescens methanol extract (obtained by maceration) was evaluated in an animal model of hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups. Group I was normal control group; Groups II-V received CCl₄. After inducing hepatic damage, Group II served as control CCl₄; Group III was given silymarin as reference hepatoprotective; and Groups IV and V received different doses of plant extract. Liver marker enzymes were assayed in serum. Samples of livers were observed under microscope for the histopathological changes. Levels of marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were increased significantly in CCl₄ treated rats (Group II). Groups IV and V intoxicated with CCl₄ and treated with L. frutescens methanol extract significant decreased the activities of these two enzymes. Also these groups resulted in less pronounced destruction of the liver architecture, there is not fibrosis and have moderate inflammation compared with Group II. The present study scientifically validated the traditional use of L. frutescens for liver disorders. In conclusion the methanol extract of L. frutescens aerial parts could be an important source of hepatoprotective compounds.

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