Hepatoprotective activity of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz flowers against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Dried flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. Family Lythraceae are used in variety of diseases in traditional Indian system of medicine including hepatic ailments. Aims of study: The aim of present study was to validate hepato protective activity of flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. Materials and methods: Petroleum ether (WF1), chloroform (WF2), ethyl alcohol (WF3) and aqueous (WF4) extracts of the flowers of Woodfordia fruticoso were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity using biochemical markers, hexobarbitone sleep time, bromosulphalein (BSP) clearance test and effect on bile flow and bile solids. Results: The aqueous extract (WF4) was most potent among the four extracts studied in detail. WF4 showed significant hepato protective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity as evident by restoration of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and triglycerides. The restoration of microsomal aniline hydroxylase and amidopyrine-N-demethylase activities indicated the improvement in functional status of endoplasmic reticulum. Restoration of lipid peroxidation and glutathione contents suggests the antioxidant property of WF4. The recovery in bromosulphalein clearance and stimulation of bile flow suggested the improved excretory and secretary capacity of hepatocytes. Light microscopy of the liver tissue further confirmed the reversal of damage induced by hepatotoxin. Conclusion: Present study showed that the aqueous extract of Woodfordia fruticosa significantly restores physiological integrity of hepatocytes. WF4 did not show any sign of toxicity up to oral dose of 2 g/kg in mice. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.