Protective effect of DHC-1, a Polyherbal formulation, against CCl4 induced Liver damage.

Plan: DHC-1, a standardized polyherbal formulation, was investigated for its hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats.Methodology: DHC-1 at various doses (125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) was studied for its effect on the levels of SGPT, SGOT, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin. The drug was also evaluated for its effect on markers of tissue oxidative stress, namely extent of lipid peroxidation (MDA), levels of enzymatic antioxidants (SOD and catalase), non-enzymatic antioxidant (GSH) and membrane bound enzymes (Ca2+ATPase, Mg2+ATPase and Na+K+ATPase).Outcome: Reduction in the levels of serum markers of liver damage; and decrease in tissue MDA levels and increase in SOD, catalase, GSH and membrane bound enzymes indicated the hepatoprotective and antioxidant property of DHC-1. Thus it is evident that DHC-1, at least partly by virtue of its antioxidant activity, elicited protective effects on the liver against the oxidative damage induced by CCl4.