Antioxidant and Ameliorative Effect of Indian Fumaria Parviflora Aqueous Extract against CCl4 induced Hepatotoxicity

Antioxidant and Ameliorative Effect of Indian Fumaria Parviflora

Abstract

Background: Today, hepatic disorders are one of the most prevalent diseases in modern society. Medicinal plants with antioxidant properties are used to treat hepatic diseases. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate antioxidant and protective efficacy of an aqueous extract of whole part of Fumaria parviflora (FP) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced acute liver injury. Materials and Methods: Free radical scavenging activity of FP plant extract was evaluated by DPPH and H₂O₂ assay and in vivo hepatoprotective activity of FP plant aqueous extract at three doses (300 mg/Kg, 600 mg/Kg, and 900 mg/Kg, orally) was assessed against CCl₄ (1.5 mL/kg intraperitoneally once only) induced hepatotoxicity  in rat animals. The effect of plant extract on Hexobarbitone induced sleep-time and bromosulfophthale in retention time was also determined against CCl₄ intoxication in mice. Results: The administration of CCl₄ in experimental animals significantly increased the level of the hepatospecific markers such  as   serum transaminases (AST and ALT), albumin, hepatic lipid peroxidation, and decreased glutathione levels, which were brought back to normal by the Fumaria parviflora treatment.  FP extract has also shown modulatory effect on the sleep period produced by hexobarbitone indicated increased the liver's excretory capacity with the BSP retention time. The biochemical findings also supported with histological examinations which were  evidenced by restoration of the structural changes and improvement in the cellular morphology by the therapy of  Fumaria parviflora  after CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity.  Conclusion: The present study suggests that FP extract has significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect against CCl₄-induced acute liver injury and this effect might be due to its free radical scavenging action.