Abstract

The decoction of the leaves of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. of Oleaceae widely used in Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of sciatica, arthritis, fevers, various painful conditions and diuretics, liver disorders and as laxative. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis for hepatoprotective effect against carbontetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats.Administration of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis protect the liver from toxic effects of carbontetrachloride by reducing the elevated levels of Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum bilirubin (total and direct). Results revealed that both the alcoholic and aqueous extracts showed significant hepatoprotective activity by reducing the elevated levels of biochemical parameters at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight. The results were supported by histopathological studies of liver samples which showed regeneration of hepatocytes by the extracts.