Evaluation of Hepatoprotective effect of Phyllanthus niruri in experimental model of NAFLD

Potential utilization of medicine from herbal origin is on the rise due to adverse effects of allopathic medicines. Phyllanthin extracted from Phyllanthus niruri has been shown to be effective in Hepatoprotective effect. Its therapeutic effect in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not much explored. The present study aim was to evaluate the role of phyllanthin in mice fed with methionine choline deficient (MCD) diet.

Four–five week-old C57lb/6 mice were fed MCD diet for 4 weeks to develop experimental model of NAFLD in small animal research laboratory, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Phyllanthin extract and commercially available phyllanthin was used to assess the impact on NAFLD animal model. After recovery animal weight, liver function test, and lipid profile were measured. Data were showed as mean and standard deviation. Statistical analysis was executing using SPSS v21.

Data revealed that administration of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg crude extract significantly reduced (P<0.0001) bilirubin levels in MCDD mice (0.69±0.14 and 0.85±0.14) respectively. Administration of 400mg/kg phyllanthin significantly reduced SGOT in MCDD mice (23.3±11.87 vs. 50.17±7.68; P=0.002). Administration of 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg crude extract significantly reduced SGPT in MCDD mice (29.4±14.39 and 21.80±6.12 respectively) (P<0.0001). Similarly, plant phyllanthin improved lipid profile in MCD animals. The plant phyllanthin does not have adverse effect on body weight.

Out of the two test trails as plant phyllanthin and commercial phyllanthin, the former suggested hepatoprotective action, as it causes the reversal of damage in the hepatic profile due to NAFLD.