Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of the fruits of coccinia grandis linn

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of alcoholic extract of the fruits of Coccinia grandis Linn (Curcubitaceae) using carbon tetra chloride (CCl4)- induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: The levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruate transminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, total and direct bilirubin were evaluated in experimental rats (with or without CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity) following administration of alcoholic extract of the fruits of C. grandis using standard procedures. The potency of the extract was compared with standard silymarin at a dose of 100 mg/kg p.o. Histopathology of the liver tissues of the animals treated with the extract was also studied. Results: At a dose level of 250 mg/kg, the alcoholic extract significantly (p<0.05) decreased the activities of serum enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, and ALP) and bilirubin which were comparable to that of silymarin. Conclusion: Alcoholic extract of the fruits of C. grandis offers protective effect against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats. Keywords: CCL4-induced hepatotoxicity; Coccinia grandis; hepatoprotective effect; silymarin