HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF CAPPARIS SEPIARIA STEM AGAINST CARBON TETRACHLORIDE-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICTY IN RATS

Abstract

The hepatoprotective effect of the alcohol extract of Capparis sepiaria Linn.
(Capparaceae) stem against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced toxicity was studied in albino
rats. The rats were given daily pretreatment with alcohol extract of C. sepiaria (100 mg/kg) and
the standard silymarin (25 mg/kg) orally for 7 days. The toxicant used on 7th day was CCl4 at a
dose of 1.25 ml/kg as 1:1 mixture with olive oil. The extract produced significant (p<0.01)
reduction in the elevated levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT),
total bilirubin (TB) and rise of decreased total protein level when compared with the toxic
control.