Hepatoprotective Effect of Costus Roots Extract against Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-Induced Liver Injury in Guinea Pigs

Abstract

SC (Saussurea costus) (Asteraceae) is a traditionally known and potent plant which is well considered for its medicinal uses in different indigenous Indian systems of medicine. This study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of SC against liver injury induced by CCl 4 intoxication. Animals were divided into five groups. Group I, served as normal control. Group II received 2 mL CCl 4 /kg b.w. diluted with olive oil, at 1:1 ratio on day 11. Groups III and IV were pre-treated orally respectively with 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. aqueous roots extract of SC for 10 days followed by subcutaneous injection of CCl 4 (2 mL/kg b.w.), once on day 11. Group V were orally given Liv-52 (100 mg/kg b.w.) once daily for 10 days followed by subcutaneous injection of CCl 4 (2 mL/kg b.w.), once on day 11. Our results show that, the activity of serum hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) were significantly elevated in guinea pigs treated with CCl 4 , while both the SC root extract and Liv-52 reduced significantly these enzymes activity. Also, the levels of glucose, urea and cholesterol were decreased when compared with intoxicated control. Histopathological examination of intoxicated animals showed dilation, hemorrhage, vacuolization, inflammation and necrosis indicating liver damage, while the animals received SC or Liv-52 that showed less pathological effects or normal liver when compared to animals treated with CCl 4 alone. Biochemical and histological results confirm the hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of SC.

التأثير الوقائي والعلاجي لجذور القسط الهندي على التسمم الكبدي في ذكور الفئران

“…Herbal medicines are frequently utilized for the treatment and prevention of a variety of illnesses and frequently contain highly active pharmacological substances that are typically thought to be harmless and nontoxic in comparison to synthetic drugs [8]. Dry seeds of costus (SC) have been utilized by folk medicine since ancient times for the treatment of many diseases and conditions, like allergies & asthma, vomiting, certain bronchitis, ulcer, throat infections, arthritis, coughing, tuberculosis, gastrointestinal difficulties & many others [9,10]. The costus of Saussurea is also known as the Indian costus or costus [11].…”