Background: Anti TB drug induced hepatotoxicity has higher incidence in Indian population [11.5%] than western population [4.5%]. Antitubercular drug induced hepatotoxicity is mediated through oxidative and free radical damage to hepatocytes. Lagenaria siceraria [Bottle Gourd] is reported to have antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity. Hence in the present study we tested hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of fruit extract of L. Siceraria in anti tubercular drug induced hepatotoxicity. Methods: We administered antitubercular drugs alone and in combination with fruit extract of Lagenaria siceraria (EELS 100mg/kg and EELS 200mg/kg) in healthy albino rats by oral route for 15 days. On 16th day blood collection for biochemical analysis is done by cardiac puncture. Biochemical markers used are serum transaminases (SGPT/SGOT), serum alkaline phosphatase [ALP], total bilirubin, total protein, superoxide dismutase [SOD] and malondialdehyde [MDA]. Liver is dissected for histopathological examinations. Results: Groups that received EELS [100 mg/kg & 200 mg/kg], in combination with anti tubercular drugs, showed significant reduction [p value <0.001] in biochemical parameters for hepatotoxicity [SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Total bilirubin, Total protein] in comparison with group that received anti tubercular drugs alone. Combined treatment of EELS [100 mg/kg & 200 mg/kg] & Anti tubercular drugs showed significant reduction in oxidative stress [SOD & MDA, p<0.001] as compared to anti tubercular drug alone. Histopathological examination of liver showed grade I & grade 0 changes in combination group while grade IV changes in group receiving anti tubercular drugs alone. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of Lagenaria siceraria fruit possesses significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity in antitubercular drugs induced hepatotoxicity.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection caused by a newly emergent coronavirus, that was first recognized in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Genetic sequencing of the virus suggests that it is a beta coronavirus closely linked to the SARS virus. While most people with COVID-19 develop the only mild or uncomplicated illness, approximately 14% develop a severe disease that requires hospitalization and oxygen support, and 5% require admission to an intensive care unit. In severe cases, COVID-19 can be complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis and septic shock, multi organ failure, including acute kidney injury and cardiac injury. Reports of the pattern of Covid symptoms suggest that mild fever, cold and cough are the most common symptoms on an average by 5 days after exposure to the virus. Given the current SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, the availability of reliable information for clinicians and patients is paramount. There have been a number of reports stating that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids may exacerbate symptoms in COVID-19 patients. There is enough literature to prove that many molecules from plants have shown important therapeutic activity with lesser side effects as compared to conventional medicines. Therefore, the present study is aimed to evaluate Plant extracts of proven antiviral activity, which are described as antipyretics and analgesics in classical Ayurvedic texts for their analgesic & antipyretic effect in laboratory animals. Tab. Febcin formulation was selected.