Hepatoprotective Activity of Cassia fistula Linn. Bark Extracts against Carbon Tetra Chloride Induced Liver Toxicity in Rats

In the present study cassia fistula (Caesalpinaceae) bark was extracted with water. The extracts were vacuum dried to yield Aqueous Extract (AQET). The extracts were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg dose level. The biochemical parameters observed in serum were total bilirubin, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) levels and total protein. Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT) and total protein levels in liver were also evaluated. Histopathological study on the liver tissue was also performed. The extracts exhibited dose dependant reduction in total bilirubin, ALP, SGOT, SGPT, AST, ALT and increase in total protein (serum and liver) levels. The extract treated groups shows mild hepatatocytic damage compared to the CCl4 treated group. CONCLUSION: Cassia fistulal attenuates the hepatotoxic effect of CCl4.