Hepatoprotective activity of flowers of Cassia auriculata R. Br. against paracetamol induced liver injury.

The aqueous (100 mg/kg p.o.), methanolic (100 mg/kg p.o.) and petroleum ether (50 mg/kg p.o.) extracts of the flowers of Cassia auriculata linn, (Caesalpinaceae) were tested for their hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Silymarin at a dose of 25 mg/kg i.p. was used as standard. The degree of protection was measured by using biochemical parameters like serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin and total bilirubin. The histopathological studies were also conducted. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of the flowers showed a significant hepatoprotective activity comparable with those of Silymarin.