Hepatoprotective Activity of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. Seeds Extracts Against Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Albino Rats

Background: Macrotyloma uniflorum (Horse gram) seeds are used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating numerous health disorders including rheumatism, worm, conjunctivitis and piles. The seeds were boiled with water and used as a folklore medicine for treatment of jaundice in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Aim: The present study was aimed to find out the therapeutic potentials of M. uniflorum seeds extract against paracetamol- induced hepatotoxicity and also to scientifically prove its traditional claim.

Methodology: Hepatotoxicity was induced in wistar albino rats by the oral administration of paracetamol (400 mg/kg b.wt.) for 10 days. The ethanolic extract and water extract (400 mg/kg b.wt.) were orally administered to the respective group once daily for 10 days. Silymarin (20 mg/kg b.wt.) was used as standard. Biochemical parameters such as ASAT, ALAT, ALP, TP, albumin, globulin, total bilirubin and GGT were determined to assess the hepatoprotective effect.

Results: The oral administration of both ethanolic and water extracts significantly (P<0.001) restored the biochemical parameters in the hepatotoxicated rats which were well compared with standard drug silymarin. The hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract provides therapeutically better efficacy which was further supported by histopathological examination. The phytochemical screening reveals the presence of phytoconstituents such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids and alkaloids which might be responsible for the hepatoprotective activity.

Conclusion: The scientific establishment of the M. uniflorum was traditionally claimed by folklore medicine was validated.