Hepatoprotective Activity of Fruit Pulp Extract of Litchi chinensis Sonner on Carbon tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxicity in albino Rats

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate aqueous and alcoholic extract of fruit pulp of Litchi chinensis for hepatoprotective activity on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats Methodology: Fruit pulp of Litchi chinensis was pulverized, first batch was extracted with alcohol (90% v/v) and second batch was extracted with distilled water. Both the extracts were concentrated and dried separately under vacuum. Extracts were screened for hepatoprotective activity using albino rats (250-300gms) of either sex. Control group was treated with normal saline. Hepatotoxicity was induced by administering carbon tetrachloride, LIV-52 a marketed product was taken as standard and other groups were treated with alcoholic and aqueous extracts. After nine days the serum was analyzed for Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT), Serum Glutamate Oxalate Transaminase (SGOT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and serum bilirubin. Livers were isolated, weighed and subjected for histopathological studies. Results: Carbon tetrachloride administration in rats elevated the level of SGPT, SGOT, ALP and bilirubin. Administration of LIV-52, alcoholic and aqueous extract significantly prevented this increase. Aqueous extract was found to be more effective than the alcoholic extract. Histopathological studies also confirmed the above investigation. Conclusion: Both alcoholic and aqueous extract of fruit pulp of Lichi chinensis has shown significant (p<0.05) hepatoprotective activity in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity and aqueous extract is found to be more effective than the alcoholic extract.