Hepatoprotective Activity of Plectranthus Amnoinicus Against Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Background:Plectranthus amboinicus, belonging to the genus Plectranthus, is widely used for medicinal purposes. Its leaves have been used traditionally as a heatoprotective. Objectives: The present study was aimed at evaluating the heapatotective activity of ethanolic extract of Plectranthus amboinicus against paracetamol induced heapatotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methos: Sic groups wistar rats were used in the study. The two control groups received gum acacia and paracetamol orally respectively. The three test groups were treated orally with paracetamol followed by 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of pletranthus amboinicus respectively. The sixth group (standard hepatoprotective) received paracetamol followed by N-aceltylcysteine 100 mg/kg orally. The hepatoprotective activity was evaluated by estimating serum alanine aminotransferase, asparatate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, tissue malondialdehyde levels and by histopathological analysis of the liver tissue. Results were analysed by one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison test. Results: Plectranthus amboinicus in doses of 600 mg/kg and 900 mg/kg siginificantly (p<0.05) altered paracetamol induced changes in the serum and tissue enzyme levels to near normal values. It also improved the liver histopathology profile. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that the ethanolic extract of Plectranthus amboinicus, possesses hepathoprotective activity against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats.