ASSESSMENT OF THE HEPATOPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LUFFA AEGYPTIACA MILL. IN ALCOHOL-INDUCED HEPATIC INJURY IN RATS

Abstract

Oxidative damage is implicated in the pathogenesis of various liver injuries. The study was aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity of fruit of Luffa aegyptiaca Mill. on ethanol induced oxidative stress in female wistar rats. The intoxication of rats with 50% ethanol with dose of 4g/kg body weight orally, for a period of 21 days induced oxidative stress, indicated by a significant rise in serum markers of liver injury, such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, and disturbances in lipid profile. Impairment in antioxidant mechanisms which involves catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced form of glutathione was also observed. Post treatment of rats with different doses of Luffa aegyptiaca Mill. Fruit ethanol extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly normalized disturbed parameters. Histopathological studies showed severe liver damage, hepatocellular degeneration/ necrosis, inflammation, and dilatation of sinusoids due to ethanol intoxication. Oral administration of the fruit extract at a dose of 500mg/kg body weight significantly reduced the above-mentioned toxic effects of ethanol. The activity of fruit extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg was comparable to the standard drug, silymarin. Based on these results, it was observed that Luffa aegyptiaca Mill. fruit extract exhibits potent antioxidant activity and protects liver from oxidative stress induced by ethanol. This helps in evaluation of traditional claim on this plant in the treatment of liver ailments.