Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of Albizia lebbeck Linn, Cassia occidentalis Linn and Swertia chirata Roxb. against paracetamol induced liver injury in wistar rats

Methanolic, ethanolic and acetone extract of seeds of A. lebbeck, C. occidentalis and leaves of S. chirata were assessed for their phytochemical constituents and their hepatoprotective activities against liver toxicity induced by paracetamol (PCM) in swiss wistar albino rats. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins and flavonoids in the methanolic, ethanolic and acetone extract of seeds of A. lebbeck, C. occidentalis and leaves of S. chirata. A maximum flavonoids content of 4.7±0.8 mg g⁻¹ and alkaloids content of 3.73±0.47 mg g⁻¹ was reported in methanolic extract of A. lebbeck. In methanolic extract of S. chirata a maximum tannin content of 2.93±0.15 mg g⁻¹ and saponins content of maximum 2.9±0.26 mg g⁻¹ was obtained. The hepatoprotective activities were estimated against liver toxicity induced by paracetamol (PCM) in Swiss wistar Albino rats at the dose of 500 mg kg⁻¹. Rat groups treated with methanolic extract of seeds of C. occidentalis and A. lebbeck showed low level of serum enzymes (i.e. SGOT 41.2±1.3 IU L⁻¹, SGPT 35.4±1.6 IU L⁻¹ and ALP 94±1.5 IU L⁻¹) as compared to PCM treated group of albino rats (SGOT 233±127.4 IU L⁻¹, SGPT 197±101.6 IU L⁻¹ and ALP 346±104.5 IU L⁻¹). The histopathological findings showed maximum protection by methanolic extract and minimum in acetone extract of A. lebbeck, C. occidentalis and S. chirata against PCM induced hepatotoxicity.