Quercus ilex: A future hope for alcoholics

Quercus ilex is commonly called holy oak and hoam oak which is widely distributed in inner arid tracts of Himalayas from Satluj valley west ward, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Manipal, at the attitude of 900-2600 meters. It is traditionally reported for hepatosis and liver cancer. Phytochemical screening revealed presence of flavanoids, glycosides, terpenes, steroids and vitamins in ethanolic extract of Quercus ilex leaves. Hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Quercus ilex leaves is determined by estimation of various blood parameters like SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Total Protein, Total Bilirubin. Antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of Quercus ilex leaves at all dose levels is determined by estimation of various antioxidant parameters like lipid peroxidation, GSH, Catalase enzymes. 200 mg/kg dose level showed more antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity. Due to its antioxidant activity, in future it may be use for other disorders and diseases of CNS and other organs.