Hepatoprotective evaluation of aqueous-ethanolic extract of Capparis decidua (Stems) in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rabbits.

Liver diseases are the most common ailment all over the world mostly caused by viruses, toxic chemicals, excessive intake of alcohol, high doses of paracetamol, carbon tetrachloride, chemotherapeutic agents and peroxides oil, etc. There is a great need to assess the scientific basis for the medicinal plants that are claimed to have hepatoprotective activity. We investigate the hepatoprotective effects of aqueous-ethanolic extract of Capparis decidua (Stems) against paracetamol induced liver injury in experimental animals. To observe the level of improvement, biochemical parameters such as SGPT, SGOT, ALP and Total bilirubin levels as well as histopathological changes in liver tissues were studied. Silymarin (50mg/kg, p.o.) was used as reference drug. The levels of the biochemical parameters were increased in rabbits which were intoxicate by paracetamol. Capparis decidua extract (750mg/kg, b.w.) treated rabbits showed maximum reduction of biochemical parameters in a significant (p<0.001) manner. Histopathological examination of the liver tissues of control and treated groups also confirmed the hepatoprotective activity. The phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids. The results of the present study therefore suggest that the different doses of Capparis decidua possess significant hepatoprotective effect and this effect might be due to the presence of flavonoids and tannins.