Hepatoprotective activity of Tridax procumbens against D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatitis in rats

The hepatoprotective activity of aerial parts of Tridax procumbens was investigated against D-Galactosamine/Lipopolysaccharide (D-GaIN/LPS) induced hepatitis in rats. D-GalN/LPS (300 mg/kg body weight/30 mu g/kg body weight)-induced hepatic damage was manifested by a significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and gamma glutamyl transferase) and bilirubin level in serum and lipids both in serum and liver. Pretreatment of rats with a chloroform insoluble fraction from ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens reversed these altered parameters to normal values. The biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. Results of this study revealed that Tridax procumbens could afford a significant protection in the alleviation of D-GaIN/LPS -induced hepatocellular injury. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.