Hepatoprotective Activity of Gloriosa superba on Liver Damage Caused by CCL₄ in Rats

The objective of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of alcoholic extract of Gloriosa superba leaves against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxicity. The plant material were dried in shade then powdered and extracted with alcohol. Preliminary phytochemical tests were done. Alcoholic extract showed presence of phenolic compound and flavanoids. The hepatoprotective activity of the alcoholic extract was assessed in CCl₄ induced hepatotoxic rats. Alteration in the levels of biochemical markers of hepatic damage like SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Billirubin and Protein were tested in both CCl₄ treated and untreated groups. CCl₄ (1ml) has enhanced the SGOT, SGPT, ALP and Total Billirubin where decrease in total protein level in liver. Treatment of alcoholic extract of Gloriosa superba (200mg/kg) has brought back the altered levels of biochemical markers to the near normal levels in the dose dependent manner. Our findings suggested that Gloriosa superba alcoholic leaf extract possessed hepatoprotective activity. Moreover, it prevented CCl₄ induced prolongation in pentobarbital sleeping time confirming hepatoprotectivity and validates the traditional use of this plant against liver damage.