Background Limnophila rugosa (Scrophulariaceae) is a perennial aquatic plant used as a diuretic and digestive tonic as well as in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia and urinary ailments. Genus Limnophila has been reported as hepatoprotective. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic extract of L. rugosa aerial part in paracetamol- and carbon tetrachloride-induced (CCl4) hepatotoxicity in albino Wistar rats. Ethanolic extract was subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis for the estimation of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis for phytochemical analysis. The in vitro antioxidant activity was carried out by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide radical and hydrogen peroxide assay. Hepatoprotective potential of L. rugosa was studied in paracetamol (750 mg/mg)- and CCl4 (1.25 ml/kg)-induced liver damage in albino rats at dose 200 and 300 mg/kg using silymarin (100 mg/kg) as standard. Lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) were determined in liver tissue homogenate. Serum biochemical and histopathological examination was performed. Molecular docking analysis was performed to understand the molecular mechanism of hepatoprotective activity. Results HPLC analysis revealed predominance of rutin. GC–MS analysis revealed camphor as principal component. Ethanolic extract exhibited significant concentration-dependent scavenging efficacy. The altered biochemical chemical parameters: aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, cholesterol, albumin, globulin and total protein, were significantly improved at 200 and 300 mg/kg in experimental rats. Extract signified hepatoprotective by decreasing lipid peroxidation and upregulating SOD, CAT and GSH. The findings were well supported by histological analysis. 2-Butyl-2, 7-octadien-1-ol (-5.8) and camphor (-4.8) gave the highest docking score on the transforming growth factor-β1. Conclusions The ameliorative effect of L. rugosa in the rat model of hepatotoxicity could be attributed to its antioxidant potential and bioactive principles such as betulin, 5-hydroxy-6,7,4′-trimethoxyflavone (salvigenin), betulinic acid, ursolic acid, 3-octanol, acetophenone, anisylacetone, caryophyllene, cis-anethole and the compounds camphor and 2-butyl-2,7-octadien-1-ol identified from GC–MS analysis.

Capparis zeylanica (Capparaceae) is a climbing shrub, commonly known as ‘Asadua’ in Oriya language. Folkloric it is used as anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, hepatitis and liver tonics. The present work aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of Capparis zeylanica root. The ethanolic extract was subjected to GC-MS analysis and quantification of rutin, quercetin and gallic acid by HPLC. In vitro antioxidant study was evaluated by DPPH, nitric oxide radical and hydrogen peroxide assay. Hepatoprotective activity was performed by CCl4 (1.25 ml/kg, I.P) induced Wistar albino rats at dose of 200 and 300 mg/kg using silymarin (100 mg/kg) as standard. The liver tissue homogenate was examined for lipid peroxidation, SOD, CAT and GSH assay. Serum was taken for biochemical analysis and liver for histopathological study. In silico molecular docking study was performed by the indentified compounds. Gallic acid was quantified as highest in HPLC analysis. Fifty compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis. The extract exhibited significant free radical scavenging effect at highest concentration. The level of liver function enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP), bilirubin and protein were significantly improved after the administration of 200 and 300 mg/kg of extract. Alterations in SOD, CAT, GSH and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly checked by extract. Compounds propane, 1, 1-dipropoxy- (-5.2); cis-9-hexadecenal (-6.0); 17-octadecen-14-yn-1-ol (-6.0); 6-butyl-1,4-cycloheptadiene (-6.5) exhibited greater docking score as compared to standard silymarin (-5.1). The hepatoprotective potential of C. zeylanica could be due to its antioxidant effect and the synergistic effect of these compounds.

Background: Limnophila rugosa (Scrophulariaceae) is an aquatic and perennial herb finds its natural habitats in ponds, rivers, lakes as well as marshy lands of India. The traditional practitioners of Bolangir and Bargarh District of Odisha use this plant as a source of Bhringaraj. Therapeutically, it is used as diuretic, stomachic, digestive tonic and as a hair perfume, treatment of elephantiasis, diarrhoea, dysentery, dyspepsia and urinary burning. Objective: The present study was focused to provide the information regarding its traditional uses, compounds identified from different parts and essential oil; and the pharmacological activities of the reported compounds, which will bring the scope for future research. Methods: Extensive literature survey was carried out up to 2021 in Google scholar, Web of science, scopus, pub med, science direct, springer, Taylor and Francis using key words pharmacognostical, phytochemical and pharmacological aspect of L. rugosa. Result: The study revealed diverse chemical compounds; flavonoids, terpenoids, amino acids, alcohol, phenol, aldehyde, ketone, carboxylic acid and ether. 5,7-Dihydroxy-6,8,4'-trimethoxyflavone (Nevadensin), 5-Hydroxy-6,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone (Salvigenin), Betulin, betulinic acid, caryophyllene, cis-anethole, methylchavicol were found as major compounds. Pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and hypotensive was reported. The identified compounds exhibited several pharmacological activities including antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-tubercular, anti-tumour, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antinociceptive, antimalarial, antiviral, anti-hyperlipidaemic, anti HIV, insecticidal, herbicidal, antifeedant, anti-coagulant, gastro-protective, antihelmintic. Conclusion: As, most of the compounds exhibited significant antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal activity so; a novel dosage form can be prepared from the essential oil of L. rugosa for antimicrobial activity.