Study to Evaluate the Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activities of Roots Extracts of Doronicum hookeri in CCl4 Treated Rats

Aims: To screen the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of ethanol (EDH) and aqueous (ADH) extracts of roots of Doronicum hookeri Hook. f.(Asteraceae).

Study design: Animal study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Anatomy (Histology section), J N Medical College, AMU, Aligarh, India, between July 2010- July 2012.

Methodology: The extracts were subjected to antioxidant tests (Total reducing power and Total phenolic content) and preliminary phytochemical screening. The rats were divided into 7 groups. The Control groups comprising of normal control (Saline 1ml/kg), negative control group (CCl4) and positive control group (Silymarin 50mg/kg). The Test drugs were given in a dose of 300mg/kg and 500 mg/kg for both EDH and ADH extract. Blood was collected for assaying biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, Total Bilirubin). The liver tissue was used for histopathological examination and in vivo antioxidant tests [Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Reductase (GSH) and Malonlydialdehyde (MDA)].

Results: The phytochemical study showed the presence of flavanoids, alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides. EDH 500mg/kg showed a significant (p<0.01) increased in levels of AST, ALT and ALP as compared to negative while EDH 300 mg/kg (p<.05) and ADH group showed minimal activity. The GSH (p<0.001) and CAT (p<0.05) in EDH 500 mg/kg were significantly increased while MDA levels were decreased (P< 0.01) as compared negative control. The findings were confirmed histopathological examination.

Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Doronicum hookeri showed dose dependent partial hepatoprotection against CCl4 toxicity.