Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of Whole Fruit Extracts of Luffa Acutangula. Var. Amara and Rhizome Extracts of Rheum Emodi in CCl4 - Induced Chronic Hepatotoxicity

To investigate the hepatoprotective activity of whole fruit extracts of Luffa acutangula.var. amara and rhizome extracts of Rheum emodi in CCl4 treated rats. The dried powders of L. amara and R. emodi were extracted successively with petroleum ether, ethanol and distilled water. The hepatoprotective capacity of the extract of the whole fruits of L. amara and the rhizomes of R. emodi was analyzed in liver injured CCl4- treated male rats. The present study explored the possibilities of using low doses of both plant extracts (150mg/kg, and 300mg/kg bw, po route) to treat CCL4 intoxicated albino rats in both acute and chronic models of hepatic damage, evident by increased serum levels of glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, cholesterol and triglycerides, all being implicated in considerable hepatic damage.