Screening of methanol extract of roots and rhizomes of Smilax zeylanica L for hepatoprotective effect against carbontetrachloride induced hepatic damage

Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of methanol extract of roots and rhizomes of Smilax zeylanica L on carbontetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in Wistar albino rats of either sex by administration of CCl4 0.5 ml/kg p.o. once a day for 7 days. The methanol extract of roots and rhizomes of Smilax zeylanica L were administered p.o. at doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.w for 7 days. On the 8 day, biochemical estimations were carried out to measure the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, total proteins and total bilirubin. Histopathological examination of liver sections was also performed to study the extent of damage to hepatic parenchyma. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the methanol extract was carried out to find out the presence of various phytoconstituents. HPTLC fingerprint profiles of the detected phytoconstituents were also obtained. Results: Administration of CCl4 produced profound hepatic damage as evidenced by the significant increase in serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP and total bilirubin and decrease in total proteins and albumin. The altered biochemical parameters were brought to near normal levels by the administration of methanol extract of roots and rhizomes of S.zeylanica. Conclusion: S.zeylanica roots and rhizomes possess significant hepatoprotective properties, which may due to the presence of potential hepatoprotective phytoconstituents present in them.