Effect of an herbal protein,CI‐1, purified from Cajanus indicus,in models of liver failure in mice

Acute liver damage models in Swiss albino mice (male; 25–30 g) induced by paracetamol (300–500 mg/kg); β‐galactosamine (500 mg/kg); and 40% ethanol (2 ml / 100 g) were studied. Clinical indications of chronic hepatocellular necrosis were manifested within 24 h of toxic doses. Initially, serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, and triglycerides were markedly increased; in addition, the plasma prothrombin time was prolonged. The total serum protein and serum albumin were significantly decreased in comparison to controls. Treatment of severely liver‐injured mice with a protein, CI‐1, purified from the leaves of Cajanus indicus at a dose of 100 μg/ml i.p. regularly for 14 days significantly lowered the respective serum enzymes such as transaminases (SGOT, SGPT), alkaline phosphatases (ALK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), prevented the loss of liver protein content, and improved the altered plasma coagulability. Histological studies of liver of treated (hepatoxins) mice reveal massive centrilobular necrosis, Kupffer's cells hyperplasia, and periportal fatty changes in contrast to control animals. Treatment with CI‐1 in liver‐damaged animals showed near normal histology. CI‐1 may be a useful approach in the treatment of liver disorders. Drug Dev. Res. 48:76–83, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.