Hepatoprotective activity of Plectranthus amboinicus against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Background: Plectranthus amboinicus, belonging to the genus Plectranthus, is widely used for medicinal purposes. Its leaves have been used traditionally as a hepatoprotective. Objectives: The present study was aimed at evaluating the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Plectranthus amboinicus against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials and methods: Six groups of wistar rats were used in the study. The two control groups received gum acacia and paracetamol orally respectively. The three test groups were treated orally with paracetamol followed by 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of Plectranthus amboinicus respectively. The sixth group (standard hepatoprotective) received paracetamol followed by N-acetylcysteine 100 mg/kg orally. The hepatoprotective activity was evaluated by estimating serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, tissue malondialdehyde levels and by histopathological analysis of the liver tissue. Results were analysed by one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparison test.Results: Plectranthus amboinicus in doses of 600 mg/kg and 900 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) altered paracetamol induced changes in the serum and tissue enzyme levels to near normal values. It also improved the liver histopathology profile.Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that the ethanolic extract of Plectranthus amboinicus, possesses hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats.