Investigation of hepatoprotective activity of roots & rhizomes of Antigonon leptopus Hook against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Extracts from Antigonon leptopus Hook (Polygonaceae) roots & rhizomes are well known in India as garden creeper, commonly called as Picchibatani (telugu), Mexican creeper (English). The Hepatoprotective activity of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Antigonon leptopus (AL) Stem against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage in Wistar albino rats. Ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of AL (100, 200mg & 400/kg.p.o.), were administered respectively, Silymarin (50 mg/kg.p.o.) was given as reference standard. The extracts were effective in protecting the liver against the injury induced by CCl4 in animals. This was evident from significant reduction in serum enzyme, SGOT, SGPT, ALP and Total bilirubin (TB).Various pathological changes like centribular necrosis and vacuolization were observed in CCl4 treated rats, which were significant protective activity in groups treated with AL and silymarin. It was concluded from the study that ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of AL possess hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats.