Anti-oxidative and Hepato-protective Effects of Pseudocedrela kotschyi against Paracetamol Induced Liver Damage: A Biochemical and Histological Evaluation in Rats

Aim: Different parts of Pseudocedrela kotschyi have been widely used by traditional healers for treatment of various illnesses, many of which have been scientifically scrutinized. However, this study aimed at evaluating anti-oxidative and hepato-protective potentials of its aqueous leaf (LEPK) and methanol bark (BEPK) extracts in paracetamol intoxicated rats.

Methodology: Anti-oxidative and hepato-protective study was carried out by randomly dividing Thirty six (36) rats into nine groups with four (4) rats in each group. The route of administration was intraperitoneal, except Vitamin-C that was given orally. Group-1 received 5 ml/kg bwt single dose of Normal saline on the 6th day, Group-2 received a single dose of paracetamol (750 mg/kg bwt.) on 6th day. Group 3, 4 and 5 received 500, 250 and 500 mg BEPK /kg bwt. for 6 consecutive days. Group 6, 7 and 8 received 500, 250 and 500 mg LEPK/kg bwt. for 6 days. Group-9 received 500 mg vitamin-c/kg bwt. for 6 days. Group 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 simultaneously received single dose of 750 mg paracetamol/kg bwt on the 6th day.

Results: The degree of protection and antioxidative potentials was measured using histomorphological analysis and assessment of biochemical parameters such as, transaminases (ALT and AST), malonialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The doses studied produced various degree of hepato-protection by favourably altering biochemical parameters and showing histomorphological improvement. The effects of both extracts were comparable to that of standard vitamin-C.

Conclusion: It has been observed that the extracts could protect the liver cells from paracetamol damage, perhaps, by its antioxidative effect. The extract produced a significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent protection.