Evaluation of Protective Activity of Commelina benghalensis -Root Extracts Against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatic Toxicity in Wistar Rats.

Root extracts of Commelina benghalensis was evaluated for hepatoprotective activity in Wistar rats. The root extract (200 mg/kg, p.o.) showed a significant (P<0.001) protection against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxicity as judged by the estimation of serum markers and antioxidant enzymes levels. CCl₄-increased significantly (P<0.001) aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), bilirubin (total and direct), Malondialdehyde (MDA) while reduction in total protein, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH). Rats treated with the root extracts (alcoholic and aqueous) showed significant (P<0.001) decrease in AST, ALT, MDA, bilirubin; and significant (P<0.001) increase in total proteins, SOD, GSH and CAT levels. The activity of alcoholic extract was found to be more significant than aqueous extract and almost equal to Liv52 in case of antioxidant enzymes estimation. Histopathological changes in hepatic tissues of all the treated groups provide protection against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity.