Hepatoprotective Activity of Methanolic Extract of Leaves of Marsilea minuta Linn Against CCl Induced Hepatic Damage in Rats

In the present study Marsilea minuta (Marsileaceae) was evaluated for hepatoprotective, antihepatotoxic activities and antioxidative potential. The activities of the methanol extract of Marsilea minuta (MMME) whole plant were determined using carbon tetrachloride (Ccl ) induced liver injury in rats. 4 Male Wister albino rats were used in the study and showed no mortality or symptoms of toxicity upto a dose level of 2000 mg/kg b.w.p.o. for 72 hrs. Hence three test doses 100, 200, 400 mg/kg b.w.p.o. were taken in the study. Silibinin 50 mg/kg b.w.p.o was used as reference standard drug. Liver damage was achieved by injecting CCl in olive oil (1:1) 1 ml/kg. It significantly(P<0.01) elevated the levels of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), 4 alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TP), direct bilirubin (DB) and lowered the levels of total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB). MMME at dose 200 mg/kg exhibited a significant hepatoprotective and antihepatotoxic activities by significantly (P<0.01) reversing the effects of CCl induced 4 hepatotoxicity. These biochemical observations were substantiated by histopathological examination of liver sections. Further, anti-oxidant activity invitro by DPPH method have been investigated to elucidate the possible mechanism of its hepatoprotective properties. The MMME exhibited a significant (P<0.01) anti-oxidant activity. Hence the plant was scientifically investigated for its traditional claim in the treatment of hepatitis.