Assessment of Hepatoprotective Activity of Strobilanthes asperrimus in Thioacetamide Induced Hepatoxic Rats

The objective of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Strobilanthes asperrimus leaves against Thioacetamide induced acute hepatotoxicity. The plant materials were dried in shade then powdered and extracted with alcohol. Preliminary phytochemical tests were done. Ethanolic extract showed presence of phenolic compound and flavanoids. The hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic extract was assessed in Thioacetamide induced hepatotoxic rats. Alteration in the levels of biochemical markers of hepatic damage like SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Billirubin and Protein were tested in both Thioacetamide treated and untreated groups. Thioacetamide (100mg/kg s.c) has enhanced the SGOT, SGPT, ALP and Total Billirubin where decrease in total protein level in liver. Treatment of ethanolic extract of Strobilanthes asperrimus (500mg/kg) has brought back the altered levels of biochemical markers to the near normal levels in the dose dependent manner. Our findings suggested that Strobilanthes asperrimus ethanolic leaves extract possessed hepatoprotective activity. Moreover, it prevented Thioacetamide induced prolongation in pentobarbital sleeping time confirming hepatoprotectivity and validates the traditional use of this plant against liver damage.