Parameshwar et al: Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activities of Zizphus rotundifolia (Linn.) in Rats

Many hepatoprotective herbal preparations have been recommended in alternative system of medicine for the treatment of hepatic disorders. There are few or no systemic studies have been done on protective efficacy of Ziziphus rotundifolia (Rhamnaceae) to treat liver diseases. In this study, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts was evaluated against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats. Liver damage was evidenced by elevated levels of biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate oxaloacetic acid transaminase, glutamate pyruvic transaminase and serum alkaline phosphatase. Treatment with ethanolic extracts of Z. rotundifolia (300 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a significant reversal in the above biochemical parameters, and reducing power, superoxide anion scavenging activity and reduced histopathological scores. These findings suggest that the extracts of Zizphus rotundifolia possess significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties.