HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY AND ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITY OF ANTHOCEPHALUS INDICUS IN EHTANOLINDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN ALBINO WISTAR RATS 

ABSTRACT

The effect of Anthocephalus indicus (A.indicus) was studied on ethanol induced (3ml/kg body wt.) liver damage in rats. A marked increase in serum levels of Aspartate transaminase (AST), AlkalinePhosphatase (ALP), Glutamate pyruvate transaminaseactivity (GPT) and total bilirubin, accompanied with reduction of superoxide dismutase, catalase levels in liver was observed. The alterations in liver enzymes wereassociated with the formation of lipid peroxides in liver tissue. Treatment with powdered flowers of Anthocephalus indicus(500mg/kg)was found to protect the rat from hepatotoxic action of ethanol as evidenced by significant decrease in serum levels of AST, ALP, GPT and total bilirubinas well as significant increase in hepatic superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and significant reduction in lipid peroxides. Hepatic enzymes levels as well as anti-oxidant enzyme levels were recovered partially on treatment with A.indicus.

Keywords:  Anthocephalus indicus, Ethanol, Hepatoprotective activity, Antioxidant activity.