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Hepatoprotective activity of extract of Balsamodendron mukul was studied in adult albino rats of either sex. The plant extract was procured from standard ayurvedic drug supplier from local market. Specimen sample of the extract is stored in the laboratory. Alcohol was used to induce liver damage that is confirmed by measurement of enzyme like SGPT, SGOT, ALP and BIT as per Shenoy et al. The studies indicate that Balsamodendron mukul extract has potential hepatoprotective activity. The acute toxicity study confirming it falls in GHS category 5, hence the extract was tested in 2 doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg. The extract was compared with standard drug Silymarin. The study indicates Balsamodendron mukul has hepatoprotective activity that is comparable with standard.
INTRODUCTION
Liver plays an important role in maintaining the biological equilibrium of vertebrates. The spectrum of its functions include, metabolism and disposition of chemicals (xenobiotics) to which the organ is exposed directly or indirectly; metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins; blood coagulation and immunomodulation (Rajesh et al., 2004).Liver diseases pose complications in treating them throughout the world since, conventional or synthetic drugs used in the treatment of liver diseases are few and with the risk of serious side effects. This is one of the reasons for scientists all over the world including those in developed countries for turning towards complementary and alternative medicines (Guntupalli et al., 2000).
World wide efforts to find a safe hepatoprotective agent are in progress, hence in the present project it was planned to use plant extract. The investigations were carried out with the crude extract of Balsamodendron mukul hook. The study was designed to investigate the effect in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Materials
The plant extract of Balsamodendron mukul was procured from standard ayurvedic drug supplier from local market as this extract is used in its natural form for treatment by ayurvedic practitioners. Silymarin was a gift sample from Microlabs, Bangalore. Ethanol was procured from bonded laboratory. Animal feed was supplied by Amrut laboratories Pranava Agro Industries Ltd. Sangli. Kits for estimation of selected biochemical parameters such as SGPT, SGOT, ALP and BIT were purchased from Swemed...