Evaluation of Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective effects of 70 % ethanolic bark extract of Albizzia lebbeck in rats

Abstract

The Plant Albizzia lebbeck is reported to contain polyphenolic compounds. However, there are no reports on the antioxidant and organ protective properties of this plant. Hence, the present study was planned with an objective to evaluate the plant for its antioxidant (both in vitro and in vivo) and hepatoprotective properties against CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by using various in-vitro models like reducing power, superoxide anion scavenging and hydroxyl ion scavenging activity. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed by using CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Concentrations of various biochemical markers like SGPT, SGOT, Total and Direct Bilirubin, ALP, tissue GSH, lipid peroxidation and various physical parameters were estimated to determine the extent of hepatic damage. In addition histopathological observation was also made so as to assess the organ protective potential of the test extract. The test plant has shown dose dependant antioxidant activity in all the models of the study. Pretreatment with test extract (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) prevented the depletion of tissue GSH, lipid peroxidation and reduced the elevated levels of all the biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity, indicating that the test extract possess hepatoprotective property. The histopathological study exhibited near to normal liver architecture as compared to control. The result of present study suggests that 70% ethanolic extract of bark of Albizzia lebbeck possesses Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective effects in rats.