Effect of Hexane Extract of Coleus forskohlii on Chemically Induced Liver Damage

The hexane extract of Coleus forskohlii (CFHE) was evaluated for its effect on liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride, paracetamol or thioacetamide. The CFHE was given in two different doses (27.5mg/kg p.o. and 55mg/kg p.o.). Silymarin, a known hepatoprotective agent was used as standard. The lower dose of CFHE (27.5mg/kg p.o.) significantly reduced the elevated levels of serum marker enzymes and prevented the increase in liver weight in all three models of liver injury, while the higher dose showed mild hepatoprotective activity. The hepatoprotective effect of lower dose of CFHE was supported by changes in histopathology. It was concluded that hexane extract of CFHE in lower doses possess hepatoprotective activity.