SASTech - Technical Journal of RUAS

The present investigation was aimed at evaluating the hepatoprotective potential of the methanol extract of leaf of Smilax zeylanica L. on Carbontetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced in Wistar rats by administration of CCl4 0.5 mL/kg p.o. once a day for 7d. Methanol extract of leaf of Smilax zeylanica (MELS) was administered at doses 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg p.o. All the groups except the normal control received CCl4 0.5 mL/kg p.o. The treatments were continued once daily for 7 d. After 7 d serum levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, total proteins, albumin and total bilirubin were estimated. Histopathological examination of liver section was also performed. Preliminary phytochemical screening of MELS was carried out to detect the presence of various phytoconstituents. HPTLC fingerprint profiles of the detected phytoconstituents were also obtained. Administration of CCl4 0.5 mL/kg p.o. once a day for 7 d, produced profound hepatic damage as evidenced by the significant elevation in serum levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP and total bilirubin and decrease in total proteins and albumin. The altered biochemical parameters were significantly (p< 0.001) restored by MELS.