Potential action of Andrographis paniculata against Chronic Ethanol Consumption Induced Liver Toxicity in Experimental Rats

Objective: To determine the ameliorative potential of methanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata to ethanol induced wistar rats, and its possible mechanism of action. Chronic ethanol consumption is a major risk factor in determining liver disease and modulates the risk factors for metabolic syndrome via multiple mechanisms, including the regulation of the lipid metabolism.

Methods: Male wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n=6/group), and fed with a standard diet, ethanol, and ethanol supplemented with extracts for 6 weeks. The ethanol changes were determined via a serum enzyme profile and damage in tissues of the liver. Liver toxicity was assessed by means of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and a liver histopathological investigation.

Results: Oral administration of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of methanolic extract of A. paniculata (MEAP) offered a significant (P=0.05) dose dependent protection against ethanol induced hepatotoxicity.

Conclusions: The present study revealed that MEAP in the phytochemical constituents plays an active role against enzymes elevation and liver protection.