Hepatoprotective effect of Leucophyllum frutescens on Wistar albino rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride

• Published in: Annals of hepatology 2007-10, Vol.6 (4), p.251-254
• Main Authors: Balderas-Renteria, Isaías, Camacho-Corona, Maria Del Rayo, Carranza-Rosales, Pilar, Lozano-Garza, Hector G, Castillo-Nava, Dalila, Alvarez-Mendoza, Francisco J, Tamez-Cantú, Elsa M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alanine Transaminase - blood; Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases - blood; Carbon Tetrachloride - toxicity; Cenizo; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Hepatic transaminases; Liver - pathology; Liver Diseases - blood; Liver Diseases - drug therapy; Liver Diseases - pathology; Liver fibrosis; Liver Function Tests; Male; Methanolic extract; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts - therapeutic use; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Scrophulariaceae
• ISSN: 1665-2681
• DOI: 10.1016/S1665-2681(19)31906-4

Many hepatoprotective herbal preparations have been recommended in alternative systems of medicine for the treatment of hepatic disorders. No systematic study has been done on protective efficacy of Leucophyllum frutescens to treat hepatic diseases. Protective action of L. frutescens methanol extract (obtained by maceration) was evaluated in an animal model of hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)). Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups. Group I was normal control group; Groups II-V received CCl(4). After inducing hepatic damage, Group II served as control CCl(4); Group III was given silymarin as reference hepatoprotective; and Groups IV and V received different doses of plant extract. Liver marker enzymes were assayed in serum. Samples of livers were observed under microscope for the histopathological changes. Levels of marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were increased significantly in CCl(4) treated rats (Group II). Groups IV and V intoxicated with CCl(4) and treated with L. frutescens methanol extract significant decreased the activities of these two enzymes. Also these groups resulted in less pronounced destruction of the liver architecture, there is not fibrosis and have moderate inflammation compared with Group II. The present study scientifically validated the traditional use of L. frutescens for liver disorders. In conclusion the methanol extract of L. frutescens aerial parts could be an important source of hepatoprotective compounds.