Hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of Dendrocnide sinuata, (Blume) Chew

Background and Objective: Dendrocnide sinuata root decoction is used by various ethnic communities of North East India for curing jaundice but there is no scientific documentation. The study aimed to explore hepatoprotective activity of D. sinuata roots against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Aqueous extract of D.sinuata root bark (AEDS) by cold extraction. Phytochemical screening of AEDS was done. Five groups of 6 rats each were used. Group 1: Healthy control group, Group II: Hepatotoxicity induced with carbon tetrachloride but untreated, Group III: Administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and silymarin @ 100 mg.kg-1, Group IV: Administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and AEDS @ 30 mg.kg-1, Group V: Administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and AEDS @ 100 mg.kg-1. Hepatoprotective activity of ADS was evaluated by analyzing liver function marker enzymes in the serum. Histopathological studies of liver were carried out. Result: Dose dependent hepatoprotective effect of AEDS against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity was observed. There was significant hepatic protection indicated by the serum enzymes levels which was comparable to that of silymarin treated group which is also supported by histological findings. Conclusion: Oral administration of AEDS @ 100 mg.kg-1 body weight significantly ameliorates CCl4 hepatoxicity in rats.