Hepatoprotective effect of Eclipta alba on experimentally induced liver damage in rats

The present work was undertaken to explore the hepatoprotective effects of alcoholic and aqueous extract of Eclipta alba leaves on the basis of hemato-biochemical and histopathological changes in paracetamol induced liver damage in albino rats. The experiment was carried out in four groups of albino rats. Rats of group I were maintained as normal control. Remaining three groups of rats were subjected to liver damage by paracetamol given I/P @ 500 mg/kg b.w. Group-II was used as paracetamol control and remaining two groups were used for hepatoprotective evaluation of alcoholic and aqueous extract of the E. alba. The alcoholic extract treated rats of group III revealed marked hepatoprotection as there was significant (P<0.01) reduction in SGOT, SGPT, ALP, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin; and a significant (P<0.01) increase in total protein and albumin as compared to paracetamol treated group. On the other hand the E. alba aqueous extract proved less hepatoprotective as compared to alcoholic extract treated albino rats. However, both the alcoholic and aqueous extract of Eclipta alba showed hepatoprotective effect on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity.