Antihepatotoxic activity of seeds of Cichorium intybus

The different fractions of alcoholic extract and one phenolic compound AB-IV of seeds of Cichorium intybus Linn were screened for antihepatotoxic activity on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in albino rats. The degree of protection was measured using biochemical parameters like aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), and total protein (TP). The methanol fraction and compound AB-IV were found to possess a potent antihepatotoxic activity comparable to the standard drug Silymarin (Silybon-70). The histopathological study of the liver was also carried out, wherein the methanolic fraction and compound AB-IV showed almost complete normalization of the tissues as neither fatty accumulation nor necrosis was observed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.