Hepatoprotective activity of Vitis vinifera root extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats.

The ethanolic extract of the root of Vitis vinifera (Vitaceae) was evaluated for hepatoprotective activity in rats with liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride. The extract at an oral dose of 200 mg/kg exhibited a significant protective effect by lowering the serum levels of SGPT, SGOT, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin. The extract at this dose also increases the level of total protein. These biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. The activity of extract was also comparable to that of silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug.