Protective role of Ficus benghalensis bark extract against ethanol induced Hepatotoxicity in rats

The hepatoprotective activity of water extract of Ficus benghalensis (Family Moraceae) bark was studied against ethanol (3g/kg, 20% w/v p.o. once daily for 28 days) induced liver damage in rats. Ethanol produced significant changes in various liver parameters. It increased the biochemical parameters like AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin and decreased the levels of albumin and total protein along with changes in histological parameters (damage to hepatocytes). Treatment with water extract of Ficus benghalensis bark (at a dose of 400mg/kg, p.o. daily for 28 days) significantly prevented the biochemical and histological changes induced by ethanol, indicating the recovery of hepatic cells. The activity of extract was also comparable to that of silymarin, a standard hepatoprotective drug. These results demonstrate that the water extract of Ficus benghalensis bark is found to have significant beneficial effect on ethanol induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats in reference to liver function tests performed.