Hepatoprotective effects of the decoction and macerated leaves of Rhamnus alaternus L. on rats exposed to carbon tetrachloride

The plant of Ramnus alaternus L. (Rhamnaceae) has been object of many therapeutic indications for traditional medicine. Many studies have showed a hepatoprotective activity of R. alaternus L. The objective of this study was to compare the hepatoprotective activities of decoction and macerated R. Alaternus L. leaves extracts on rats initially exposed to carbon tetrachloride CCl4 (1 ml/kg). The macerated leaves (250 mg/kg body weight) showed a highly significant hepatoprotective activity (p < 0.01) expressed by a significant decrease in enzymatic biochemical markers such as total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and transaminases (GOT and GPT). Mean serum biochemical marker levels were 4.5 ± 0.9 mg/dL, 143 ± 3.7, 43.5 ± 9.2 and 32.2 ± 5.1 U/L, respectively. These results illustrate the dominance of the hepatoprotective pharmacological activity of macerated R. alaternus L. leaves. Key words: Rhamnaceae, traditional medicine, hepatoprotective activity, biochemical markers, alcaline phosphatase.