Abstract:Liver diseases remain a significant global health burden, necessitating the exploration of natural hepatoprotective agents.
Boerhavia diffusa and
Tinospora cordifolia have been traditionally used for liver disorders, but their hepatoprotective potential needs further scientific validation. This study aims to evaluate the pharmacognostic and phytochemical properties of
B. diffusa and
T. cordifolia extracts and assess their hepatoprotective efficacy against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity.
Methanolic extracts of B. diffusa and T. cordifolia were prepared using Soxhlet extraction. The phytochemical composition was analyzed using standard qualitative tests. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed in Wistar albino rats divided into five groups: normal control, CCl₄-intoxicated control, silymarin-treated group, and two groups receiving plant extracts at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight. Liver function was evaluated by analyzing ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, and total protein levels. Histopathological examinations were conducted to assess hepatic architecture. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 27.0, IBM, USA), applying one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test (p< 0.05).
The results demonstrated that CCl₄ intoxication significantly elevated ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin levels while reducing total protein levels, indicating severe hepatic damage. Treatment with B. diffusa and T. cordifolia extracts significantly reduced enzyme levels and improved total protein content in a dose-dependent manner. The 400 mg/kg dose exhibited hepatoprotective effects comparable to the silymarin-treated group. Histopathological analysis confirmed reduced necrosis, inflammation, and hepatic degeneration in treated groups. ANOVA results indicated significant differences (p< 0.05) between the experimental groups, supporting the protective efficacy of these extracts.
In conclusion, B. diffusa and T. cordifolia exhibited potent hepatoprotective effects against CCl₄-induced liver toxicity, likely due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings support their potential therapeutic application in liver disorders, warranting further clinical validation.