Evaluation of Protective Effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Extract on Isoniazid-Rifampicin Induced Hepatocellular Damage in Rats

Context: Haphazard use of drugs is one of the key reasons for progression of liver diseases. Drugs such as paracetamol, isoniazid, rifampicin etc. cause hepatotoxicity. There is currently no single synthetic drug which is effective for the treatment of such conditions. Drugs from natural sources have been used by humans since before written records. Thus, plants serve to be an important source to explore hepatoprotectives. Objective: The current study was designed to assess the hepatoprotective activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract. Materials and Methods: Glycyrrhiza glabra roots were dried in shade, powdered and extracted with ethanol and phytochemical screening was performed. The extract phenolic and flavonoids contents were estimated. Hepatoprotective studies were performed using isoniazid- rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Results: Results of the phytochemical studies demonstrated that the extract was rich in flavonoids, glycosides and polyphenolics. The extract also demonstrated excellent hepatoprotective activity against isoniazid- rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Discussion and Conclusion: Results of study demonstrate that ethanol extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra is potent source of phytochemicals that are responsible to demonstrate hepatoprotective activity.