Hepatoprotective activity of Ethanolic extract of leaf and seed of Tamarindus Indica against Paracetamol induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

Background: In Bangladesh about 35million people are suffering from liver disease. Herbs play a vital role in the management of various liver disease in absence of reliable hepatoprotective drugs in Allopathic medical practice. Objective: to observe the hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Tamarindus Indica leaves & seeds. Methods: A total of 24 male Long Evan's rats (150-180gm) were used for this study. They were divided into 4 groups designated as control received normal diet ad libitum only, only paracetamol group received paracetamol (1500 mg/kg) for 12 days and rest two groups ethanolic extract of leaf and seed received paracetamol (1500mg/kg) along with ethanolic extract of leaf (1250 mg/kg) and seed (1250 mg/kg) of Tamarindus indica for 12 days respectively. After 24 hours of last treatment, all rats were sacrificed for the estimation of liver function parameters (ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin) and histopathological study of their liver tissue. Ethical clearance for the use of animals was obtained from the committee constituted for the purpose. Results: Only Paracetamol group showed a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) along with gross hepatocellular damage. On the other hand, ethanolic leaves (1250mg/kg) and seeds (1250mg/kg) extract of Tamarindus Indica treated groups showed a significant decrease of the above parameters and histopathological examination of liver tissue revealed an almost return to normal architecture. The values were expressed as mean ± SD. The statistical analysis was carried out by unpaired student's "t" test and P<0.05 was considered as significant. Conclusion: Tamarindus Indica a very commonly used food can be applied for treatment of drugs or chemical induced hepatotoxicity.