HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF WEDELIA CHINENSIS AGAINST CARBON TETRACHLORIDE INDUCED LIVER DAMAGE IN RATS

ABSTRACT

The ethanolic extract of Wedelia chinensis whole plant was evaluated for its efficacy against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxicity in Wister albino rats. The ethanolic extract of Wedelia chinensis (EEWC) at doses of 250 mg/kg p.o and 500 mg/kg p.o were administered to CCl₄ treated rats and  the hepatoprotective activity was assessed using biochemical parameters like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), total bilirubin and total protein  along with histopathological studies of liver tissues. The treatment with EEWC showed dose dependent reduction of CCL₄ induced elevated levels of serum enzymes and total bilirubin along with parallel increase in total protein indicating the recovery of hepatic cells. Histopathological study of EEWC treated animals showed normal hepatic cords without any cellular necrosis and fatty infiltration. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, terpinoids and tannins which might offer hepatoprotection. Hence the above finding shows that the ethanolic extract of Wedelia chinensis whole plant exhibits significant hepatoprotective activity.

KEYWORDS: Hepatoprotective activity, Wedelia chinensis, Ethanolic extract, CCl₄, Silymarin