Phytochemical analysis and hepatoprotective characterization of AJME

Objectives: Aervajevanica (Burm. f.) Juss.ex Schult possess antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effects, and somay provide a probable therapeutic alternative in hepatic disorders. Hence, the present study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective efficacy of methanolic extract of Aervajevanica (AJME) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced toxicity in rats and to check the bioactive constituents responsible for the hepatoprotection. Methods: 30 chicks were divided into five groups having free access to food and water. Group A (control) and B was given olive oil and DMSO, while group C received only CCl4 group D received silymarin at a dose of 50 mg/kg however group E was given AJME (200 mg/kg).Various serum marker i.e., alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were used. Catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), glutathione-S transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSR) activity was measured in liver homogenates. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione (GSH) concentration were also evaluated in liver homogenates. Phytochemical screening was carried out using column chromatography and NMR. Main results: Hepatotoxicity induced with CCl4 was evidenced by significant increase in lipid peroxidation products (TBARS) andlevels of serum marker enzymes (ALT, ALP, and LDH). Level of glutathione contents (GSH) determined in liver was significantlyreduced, as were the activities of antioxidant enzymes; CAT, POD, GSH-Px, GSR, GST. Chicks treated with CCl4.AJME (200 mg/kg bw) and silymarin (50 mg/kg bw) co-treatment prevented all the changes observed with CCl4-treatedchicks. Phytochemical study revealed the presence of oleanolic acid, stigmasterol and ?-sitosterolwhich might be responsible for hepatoprotection. Conclusion: The results of present work indicate that AJME has a significant protective effect against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in chicks, which may be due to their antioxidant potentialoleanolic acid, stigmasterol and ?-sitosterol.