Hepatoprotective effect of Trichosanthes cucumerina Var cucumerina L. on carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Different parts of the plant Trichosanthes cucumerina Var cucumerina L. (cucurbitaceae) are used to treat liver disorders, traditionally. It is one among the constituents in various Ayurvedic formulations used for the treatment of liver disorders and other diseases. Aims of study: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the protective effect of Trichosanthes cucumerina against experimentally induced liver injury. Materials and methods: The methanolic extract of whole plant of Trichosanthes cucumerina (TCME) was evaluated for the hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Various biochemical parameters like alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) levels were estimated in serum as well as the glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver were determined. Histopathological changes in the liver of different groups were also studied. Results: The pre-treatment of TCME at dose levels of 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.p.o. had controlled the raise of AST, ALT, ALP, TB and MDA levels and the effects were comparable with standard drug (silymarin 100 mg/kg b.w.p.o.). The GSH, TP and ALB levels were significantly increased in the animals received pretreatment of the extract. The animals received pre-treatment of the extract shown decreased necrotic zones and hepatocellular degeneration when compared to the liver exposed to CCl4 intoxication alone. Thus the histopathalogical studies also supported the protective effect of the extract. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the hepatoprotective activity of Trichosanthes cucumerina and thus scientifically supports the usage of this plant in various Ayurvedic preparations and traditional medicine for treatment of liver disorders. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.