Hepatoprotective Activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. on Experimental Liver Damage in Albino Rats Rajesh M.G.1,*, Latha M.S.2 1Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru Research Centre for Ayurveda and Siddha, Uzhavoor, Kottayam, Kerala-686 634, India 2School of Biosciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadarshini Hills P.O., Kottayam, Kerala-686 560, India *Corresponding Author: Rajesh M.G. Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru Research Centre for Ayurveda and Siddha, Uzhavoor, Kottayam, Kerala-686 634, India. Tel: 04822 249200. E-mail: rajeshmg2@yahoo.com
Online published on 21 March, 2013. Abstract Liver is a versatile organ in the body concerned with regulation of the internal chemical environment. Therefore, damage to the liver inflicted by hepatotoxic agents like xenobiotics, therapeutic agents and environmental pollutants is of grave consequences. There is still an unmet need for medicinal plants and phytopharmaceuticals with scientifically validated hepatoprotective activity. The present study evaluates the antihepatotoxic action of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)–induced hepatic damage in Sprague-Dawley rats. The parameters assessed were liver function marker enzymes, total protein, bilirubin and lipid profile in serum. The lipid profile of different tissues was also estimated. The biochemical changes caused by CCl4 were counteracted by the co-administration of G. glabra. The results suggest the antihepatotoxic activity of this medicinal plant. Top Keywords Fabaceae, medicinal plant, antihepatotoxic, carbon tetrachloride. Top |