Phytochemical screening and evaluation of Hepatoprotective potential of Swertia petiolata against Thioacetamide induced Hepatotoxicity in rats

The hepatoprotective activity of two extracts of Swertia petiolata (hydro-alcoholic and aqueous extracts) was studied against thioacetamide induced liver damage in rats. The levels of serum aminotransferases (ALT, AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) were increased owing to thioacetamide (TAA) insult. The extracts were able to decrease these increased levels. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), an index of oxidative stress increased significantly after the induction of liver necrosis and decreased in extract treated rats. Significant reduction in the levels of reduced glutathione were observed in necrotic group and increased in extract pretreated experimental animals. Xanthin oxidase activity also increased significantly in TAA, and decreased in extract pretreated groups. Moreover, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, G-6-PD, SOD and catalase were decreased by thioacetamide, whereas level of these enzymes was found near normal in extract treated rats. The phytochemical investigation of the both extracts showed presence of flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, tannins, phenolic compounds etc. The histopathological examination of the liver tissue of all group of rats supported the hepatoprotective potential of extracts of Swertia petiolata.