Hepatoprotective activity of Cynodon dactylon leaf extract against rifampicin- induced liver damage in albino rats

Liver plays an important role in maintaining the biological equilibrium of vertebrates. Liver diseases are a major worldwide health problem with high endemicity in developing countries. They are mainly caused by chemicals and some drugs when taken in very high doses. Despite advances in modern medicine, there is no effective drug available that stimulates liver function, offer protection to the liver from damage or help to regenerate hepatic cells. There is urgent need, therefore, for effective drugs to replace/supplement those in current use. The plant kingdom is undoubtedly valuable as a source of new medicinal agents. The main aim of any medication in the treatment of liver disorders is to prevent degeneration of hepatocytes and associated metabolic abnormalities and promote regeneration of hepatic cells. In present study the hepatoprotective activity of Cynodon dactylon extracts was evaluated in rifampicin induced liver toxicity by biochemical parameters like SGPT, SGOT, ALP, BIT and by histopathological study. Acute administration of rifampicin produced marked elevation of the serum levels of the above parameters compared to that of the control group. Treatment with ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Cynodon dactylon leaves at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg produces significant prevention in rifampicin induced rise of the above parameters. Silymarin at 100 mg/kg body weight significantly prevented such rise in study. The effect of Cynodon dactylon leaves extracts was found possess promising hepatoprotective activity. Further studies in other species and on other parameter would throw more light on this plant.