Hepatoprotective potential of Cordia subcordata Lam. against carbon tetra chloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats

Aim: To investigate the phytoconstituents, acute oral toxicity and hepatoprotective activity of ethanol (90%) extract of Cordia subcordata Lam. (EECS) using CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar albino rats.Methods: The EECS at doses of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg, p.o and the standard drug Liv.52 (40mg/kg, p.o) were administered for 7 days in CCl4 intoxicated rats. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed by using various biochemical parameters like SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP), also total bilirubin and urea along with histopathological studies of liver tissue. The biochemical changes and histopathological studies were observed on 4th and 8th day. Results: EECS at tested doses significantly decrease (P<0.001) the elevated levels of the hepatic enzymes, total bilirubin and urea in a dose dependent manner after 3days whereas it’s subsequent return towards near normal after 7days indicating the recovery of hepatic cells. In the liver sections of the rats treated with EECS extracts for 7 days, the normal cellular architecture was retained as compared to Liv.52, thereby furtherly confirming the potent hepatoprotective effect of EECS.Conclusion: The EECS afforded significant protection against CCl4 induced hepatocellular injury.