MULTIPLE TREATMENT OF EREMURUS HIMALAICUS EXTRACTS AMELIORATES CARBON TETRACHLORIDE INDUCED LIVER INJURY IN RATS
<p><strong>Objective: </strong><em>Eremurus himalaicus </em>Baker<em>, </em>an edible herb of North Western Himalayas, has not been scientifically assessed for hepatoprotective potential. The ethyl acetate extract (EHE), methanolic extract (EHM) and aqueous extract (EHA) of <em>Eremurus himalaicus </em>were therefore evaluated for potential hepatoprotective activity in Wistar strain albino rats.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Carbon tetrachloride (1.5 ml/kg) was employed as hepatotoxin and was given on Day 1 of the experiment. The extracts at a dose of 300 mg/kg bw (EHE, EHM and EHA) and the standard at a dose of 10 mg/kg bw (Liv 52) were given for following 7 d and the biochemical parameters (SGOT, SGPT, ALP, TP, bilirubin and UA) were estimated in order to assess the liver function. Moreover, the liver tissue samples were examined for histopathological changes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results for serum biochemical analysis in rats showed a rise in SGOT, SGPT, ALP and bilirubin levels and a decrease in TP and UA levels upon giving hepatotoxin. The administration of the extracts and standard drug, for a period of 7 d, showed a significant decrease in SGOT, SGPT, ALP and bilirubin levels and an increase in TP and UA levels for EHM when compared to the toxic group. These results correlated well with the histopathological findings of liver for normal, toxic and extract treated groups. The EHM treatment decreased the extent of fat deposition and necrosis caused by CCl<sub>4</sub>. The results were almost similar to the standard drug Liv 52.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Collectively; the results indicate that EHM exhibits significant hepatoprotective activity against CCl<sub>4 </sub>induced hepatotoxicity.</p>