Hepatoprotective studies of aqueous leaf and root extracts of Barringtonia acutangula (L.) Gaertn. against ethanol induced hepatic stress in rats

Abstract

The liver is of vital importance in intermediary metabolism and in the elimination of toxic substances. To maintain the liver in a healthy condition is crucial for overall wellbeing of an individual.  A number of plants have been the sources of raw materials for various drug formulations used to treat liver ailments. Barringtonia acutangula (L.) Gaertn., is one of the medicinal plant used in Ayurveda which is well-known to have hepatoprotective property. In the present study, the hepatoprotection of aqueous leaf (LWBA) and root (RWBA) extracts of B.  acutangula, at doses 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg were evaluated on ethanol induced hepatic damage in Wistar strain, male albino rats (150-200 g body weight). The liver protective efficacy of the extracts was indicated by reduced levels of serum enzymes, bilirubin, lipid peroxidation and improvement in glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase and protein content in a dose dependent manner. The results obtained in the enzyme assays were supported by the histopathological observations. The findings shows that the LWBA extract has better hepatoprotection against ethanol induced liver injury than RWBA extract and also justify the Ayurvedic applications of B. acutangula in the management of liver diseases.