The EtOAc and n-BuOH extracts of Cichorium glandulosum were tested for hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicities in mice. C. gladulosum exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity by reducing paracetamol-induced change in bio-chemical parameters that was evident by enzymatic examination of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities in plasma. The EtOAc extract was further studied and esculetin was isolated and identified from the fraction.

Keywords: Cichorium glandulosum, Compositae, hepatoprotective activity, paracetamol, esculetin, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)

Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine Vol. 11 2007 pp. 41-43