Ameliorative effect of methanol extract of Rumex vesicarius on CCl4-induced liver damage in Wistar albino rats

Abstract

Context: Rumex vesicarius L. (Polygonaceae), an edible plant, is reported to have many bioactive phytochemicals, especially flavonoids and anthraquinones with antioxidant and detoxifying properties.

Objective: This study evaluated the methanolic extract of R. vasicarius (MERV) for hepatoprotective activity in rats against CCl₄-induced liver damage.

Materials and methods: The whole plant extract was prepared and investigated for its hepatoprotective activity. Rats were pretreated with MERV (100 and 200?mg/kg, p.o.) for 7?d prior to the induction of liver damage by CCl₄. Animals were then sacrificed 24?h after CCl₄ administration for the biochemical (AST, ALT, and ALP activity in serum; lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) levels in liver tissue) and histological analyses.

Results: CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity was confirmed by an increase (p?4-induced hepatotoxicity was also manifested by an increase (p?4-intoxicated rats.

Discussion and conclusion: The results obtained from this study indicate hepatoprotective activity of Rumex plant against CCl₄-induced liver toxicity; hence, it can be used as a hepatoprotective agent.