Curative Effect of Butea Monosperma (Lam.) Flowers on Ccl4 Induced Subchronic Hepatic Injury in Rat Model

Abstract

Butea monosperma (B. monosperma) Lam. is commonly known as Palash in Hindi and their flower are used to treat leprosy, gout, skin, eye diseases and has been reported to be associated with various remedial properties such as antihepatotoxic, antistress, antiestrogenic and chemopreventive. In the present study, hepatoprotective effects of B. monosperma (800 mg/kg p.o.) was studied against biochemical, light and ultrastructural and genotoxic changes induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4, 0.15 ml/kg, i.p.). Subchronic exposure to CCl4 for 3 weeks caused sharp elevation in the activity of liver marker enzymes (serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase), albumin, bilirubin, creatinine and urea level in serum. Tissue biochemistry revealed significant reduction in antioxidant status i.e. glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, super oxide dismutase and catalase. Oxidative stress was measured by estimating reduced glutathione level and amount of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. CCl4 administration significantly decreased aniline hydroxylase activity and increased microsomal lipid peroxidation. A 5-day treatment of B. monosperma extract after toxicant administration reversed alterations in blood and tissue biochemical variables almost as same as in silymarin treated positive control. In conclusion, data suggest aqueous extract of B. monosperma prevent hepatic damage and improved cellular architecture through its antioxidant activity.