Hepatoprotective Potential of Polyherbal Formulation in Acetaminophen-induced Toxicity in Rabbit

Abstract

Introduction: Individually, Cymbopogon citratus, Commiphora mukul, Berberis aristate, and Terbulus terrestris single plant extract have been reported to possess hepatoprotective effects. However, the literature survey shows that no scientific data has been published on the pharmacological evaluation of these plants in combined form. Objective of the Study: To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of polyherbal against paracetamol-induced hepatic inflammation in experimental rabbits. Materials and Method: Animals were divided into different groups. Group I was considered as Control Aqueous-extract of Polyherbal at doses 4ml /kg body weight, p.o., was administered for 15 days, then paracetamol (1.5gm/kg p.o) to induce toxicity in, and again administered polyherbal formulation for 08 days. Group II was given silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days along with induction of Acetaminophen toxicity after 15 days of administration of Standard. Biochemical parameters, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum glutamic oxalo-acetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and total bilirubin (TB) levels were recorded to investigate the degree of improvement in the conditions of the rabbits. Group III is considered as standard. The animal of all groups was dissected for liver biopsy for histopathological studies. Phytochemical screening of the extract was also carried out. Results: The levels of biochemical parameters were increased in paracetamol-intoxicated rabbits when compared with the normal group. The extract, at doses of 950 mg/kg, exhibited a significant (p <0.05) reduction in biochemical parameters (ALP, SGOT, SGPT, and TB). Hepatoprotective activity was also confirmed by histopathological findings. Furthermore, the phytochemical profile of the extract revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids. Conclusions: These results suggest that the aqueous extract of the polyherbal formulation possesses a hepatoprotective effect against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. This observed effect may be attributed to the presence of bioactive constituents within the formulation. Further investigations into the specific compounds responsible for the hepatoprotective properties could provide valuable insights for potential therapeutic applications.

Keywords: Hepatoprotective activity, Acetaminophen, liver biomarkers, Poly-herbal                    Formulation.