Hepatoprotective Potential of Russelia Equisetiformis Plant Extract on Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Experimental Models

Background: A large number of herbal medicines are widely in-use to offer relief from hepatic injury,

although attempts are still ongoing globally to get scientific proofs for these orthodox remedies, there is

still paucity of data on Russelia equisetiformes. There are solitary reports of anti-inflammatory, analgesic,

and antinociceptive properties. Meanwhile, inflammation is a hallmark of hepatic injury. Further study may

pave way for next generation hepatoprotective medication.

Methods: The experimental animals were grouped into five (5), with six animals each. Groups 3, 4 and 5

were orally pretreated with the extracts for 7 days at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, while groups 1 and

2 served as normal (negative) and paracetamol-induced (PCM-induced;positive) controls. Liver damage

was induced on the 8th day using 2000 mg/kg of paracetamol. Liver enzymes such as alanine amino

transaminase (ALT) aspartate amino transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), along with other

liver function tests [plasma total protein (TP), albumin (ALB) and bilirubin (BIL)] were subsequently

estimated. Liver samples were examined for histopathological changes.

Results: Comparison of case groups with positive controls shows that levels of biomarkers such as AST,

ALT, ALP were significantly reduced (p