Hepatoprotective activity of Indianthus virgatus (Roxb.) Suksathan & Borchs against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in Wistar rats

Abstract

Indianthus virgatus (Roxb.) Suksathan & Borchs, a medicinal herb belonging to the family Marantaceae, is traditionally used by tribal healers in Kerala to treat liver disorders. The present study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of I. virgatus rhizome extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in Wistar rats. The ethanolic (SVEF) and crude (SV) extracts of I. virgatus rhizomes were administered at different doses (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg, p.o.) to Wistar rats to assess their hepatoprotective potential. Hepatic marker enzyme levels (AST, ALT and ALP), bilirubin levels, antioxidant enzyme activity (GSH, and CAT), and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were assessed. Histopathological examination of the liver sections was also performed. The results showed that CCl₄ administration significantly elevated the levels of hepatic marker enzymes and MDA while reducing the levels of antioxidant enzymes. Pre-treatment with SVEF (50 mg/kg) and SV (100 mg/kg) significantly (P ≤ 0.01) restored the biochemical parameters to nearnormal levels, demonstrating its hepatoprotective potential. Histopathological analysis further confirmed reduced hepatic damage in the pre-treated groups. The protective effects of I. virgatus may be attributed to its antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties. These findings suggest that I. virgatus has potential as a natural hepatoprotective agent and warrants further pharmacological investigation.