Hepatoprotective activity of Cleome viscosa against Carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxity in rats

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous seed extract of Cleome viscosa (CV) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage in wistar rats. The aqueous seed extract of CV (200 mg/kg) was administered orally to the animals with hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4. Silymarin (200mg/kg) was given as reference standard. The seed extract was effective in protecting the liver against the injury induced by CCl4 in animals. This was evident from significant reduction in serum enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and lipid peroxidase and increase in reduced glutathione (GSH). Various pathological changes like steatosis, centrilobular necrosis and vacuolization observed in CCl4 treated rats, which were prevented to a moderate extent in groups, treated with Cleome viscosa and silymarin. It was concluded from the study that aqueous seed extract of CV possesses hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats.