Hepatoprotective activity of fractions of Fumeria parviflora in Anti tubercular drug induced toxicity in rats

The study was conducted to screen the heptoprotective activity of fractions of Fumaria parviflora (F. parviflora) and underlying mechanisms by using in vivo model of hepatotoxicity. Albino rats of either sex weighing 200–250 g were taken. Methanol and ethyl acetate fractions were used as the test compounds in the study. The hepatotoxicity was induced by administration of antitubercular drugs (Isoniazid 7.5 mg/kg, Rifampicin 10 mg/kg and Pyrazinamide 35 mg/kg body weight of rat). Both the drugs (300 & 500 mg/kg) and inducing agent were given for 35 days per orum. The rats were sacrificed, the blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis (Liver function test, Antioxidant activity [Catalase, GSH, MDA] and Cytokines [TNF-Alfa, IL-1, IL-6]. The liver tissue was also taken for histopathological examination. Both fraction showed significant hepatoprotection (p<0.01) against antitubercular drugs. The Methanol fraction showed hepatoprotection only at a dose of 500 mg/kg while ethyl acetate fraction was effective at both the doses. The percentage hepatoprotection (42.4%) as a function of ALT was seen highest for Ethyl acetate fraction at a dose of 500 mg/kg. There was an increase in the levels of Catalase and GSH in all test groups as compared to the negative control while a significant decrease was observed in MDA levels. Similarly, the levels of cytokines TNF-Alfa, IL-1, IL-6, were significantly lower as compared to negative control. The findings were correlated by histopathological examination. The present study shows that the methanol and ethyl acetate fractions of F. parviflora possess potential hepatoprotective activity which may be due to its free radical scavenging action.