Aegle marmelos protects hepatocytes from paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Aegle marmelos against paracetamol induced liver damage in rats. The methanolic extract of Aegle marmelos (500mg/kg) was administered orally to the animals with hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol (3gm/kg). Silymarin (25mg/kg) was given as reference standard.All the test drugs were administered orally by suspending in 0.5% CMC (Carboxy methyl cellulose) solution. The plant extract was effective in protecting the liver against the injury induced by paracetamol in rats. This was evident from significant reduction in serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin. It was concluded from the result that the methanolic extract of Aegle marmelos possesses hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats.