Hepatoprotective Potential of Ethanolic Extract of Capparis zeylanica Root on Paracetamol-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Background: Capparis zeylanica (Capparaceae), a climbing shrub find its distribution throughout the different parts of India. Traditionally, it is used in the treatment of snake bite, small pox, stomach ulcers, piles, cholera, hepatitis, as liver tonics, rheumatism and inflammation. In the present investigation the hepatoprotective potential of plant was evaluated in paracetamol-induced (750 mg/kg) hepatotoxicity rats. Methods: The animals were treated with 200 and 300 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of C. zeylanica root using silymarin (100 mg/kg) as reference. The liver function enzymes were determined. The estimation of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutage, catalase and glutathione were performed in liver tissue homogenate. The excised liver was also subjected to histological study. Results: The noticeable declined in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphate, bilirunin and cholesterol and elevating the level of albumin, globulin and protein were observed at 300 mg/kg of drug as compared to 200 mg/kg. The significant decrease in malondialdehyde and increase in superoxide dismutage, catalase and glutathion were noticed in treated group. The periportal hypertrophy, deterioration of hepatic parenchyma, dilation of sinusoidal capillary, central vein and portal vein noticed in hepatotoxicity rats were decreased after administration of extract. Conclusion: The hepatoprotective potential of C. zeylanica root could be assumed due to the synergistic activities of carbohydrates, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, steroids and the strong antioxidant activity by flavonoids, phenolics, β-carotene and rutin.