Anti-hepatotoxic effects of root and root callus extracts of Cichorium intybus L.

The natural root and root callus extracts of Cichorium intybus were compared for their anti-hepatotoxic effects in Wister strain of Albino rats against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage. The increased levels of serum enymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase) and bilirubin observed in rats treated with carbon tetrachloride were very much reduced in the animals treated with natural root and root callus extracts and carbon tetrachloride. The decreased levels of albumin and proteins observed in rats after treatment with carbon tetrachloride were found to increase in rats treated with natural root and root callus extracts and carbon tetrachloride. These biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. Results of this study revealed that Cichorium intybus root callus extract could afford a better protection against carbon tetrachloride induced heptocellular damage as compared to the natural root extract. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.