Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of Aqueous Extract of Andrographis paniculata in Wistar Rats

Background: The objective of the current study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata in wistar rats. Materials and Methods: The animals were divided into six groups with six rats in each group. First group was taken as control, and received 0.9% normal saline 10 ml/kg body weight orally. Second group was taken as CCl₄ control group and treated with normal saline (10 ml/ kg, p.o.) and CCl₄: olive oil (1:1, 2 ml/ kg, i.p. on 2, 5 and 8^th day) daily for 20 day. The third group rats was treated with Liv 52- 100 mg/kg orally and CCl₄: olive oil (1:1, 2 ml/ kg, i.p. on 2, 5 and 8^th day) for 20 days .The fourth and fifth groups were taken as test groups and they received crude extract of Andrographis paniculata orally once daily for 20 days at the dosage of 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively. CCl₄: olive oil was given i.p on 2, 5 and 8^th day. On the 21^st day, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture method. The blood samples were used to estimate biochemical parameters like serum SGOT,SGPT, ALT, bilirubin and cholisterol and the liver was preserved for histopathological examination. Results: It was found that the Andrographis paniculata exhibited moderate protective effect by lowering the serum levels of SGOT,SGPT,ALT, bilirubin and cholisterol (P<0.001). Histology of liver section of animal treated with the extracts showed the hepatic cell regeneration. Conclusion: Andrographis paniculata has dose dependant hepatoprotective activity.