Hepatoprotective activity of a combination of Hydroalcoholic Extracts

Berberis aristata and Cichorium intybus. Linn leaves used for treatment of jaundice in Ayurvedic medicine. Adult male wistar rats were rendered hepatotoxicity by Rifampicin-Isoniazid (50mg/kg each) by intraperitonially for 14 days while leaf extracts of both plants (50mg/kg each and 50mg/kg of both extracts by combining the dose) was administered orally for 14 days. Administration of leaf extract (50mg/kg of both extracts with combined dose) resulted in a significant (p<0.01) increased in plasma and hepatic lipid profiles. The extract suppresses cytochrome P-450 activity. Decreased levels of transaminases indicate stabilization of plasma membrane and protection of hepatocytes against damage caused by hepatotoxin. The levels of SOD, catalase, GSH significantly decreased along with concentration of malondialdehyde in these groups indicating increased lipid peroxidation. Histomorphological findings also supported the biochemical findings. The present study demonstrates that administration of leaf extract (100mg/kg and 200mg/kg) has significant hepatoprotective activity as evidenced by the biochemical, functional and histopathological parameters.