Hepatoprotective Activity from Ethanol Fraction of Thuja occidentalis Linn

Thuja occidentalis (Cupressaceae), commonly known as Arbor vitae or white cedar has been used in folk medicine to treat bronchial catarrh, enuresis, cystitis, psoriasis, uterine carcinomas, amenorrhea and rheumatism and is mainly used in homeopathy as mother tincture. Extract of this plant has shown anti oxidant, anti viral, anti diarrhoeal activity since this plant contains flavonoids, tannins and polysaccharides. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the possible hepatoprotective activity of Thuja occidentalis aerial part. The hepatoprotective potential effect of ethanolic fraction of Thuja occidentalis has been assessed against CCL₄ induced liver damage in rats. A dose of EFTO 400 mg/kg p.o. exhibited significant protection from liver damage in acute and chronic CCL₄ induced liver damage model. Histopathological examination was carried out after the treatment to evaluate hepato protection. The fraction was found to possess good hepatoprotective property.