Toxicity Assessment, Evaluation of Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activity on Cordia obliqua Fruit Extracts

Background: Cordia obliqua Willd plant is a genus of flowering plants in the borage family, Boraginaceae. It is also known as clammy cherry. Very little research was carried out for identification of its medicinal importance when compared to other Cordia species Objective: To determine the safe dose and to explore the in vivo antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of Cordia obliqua fruits Methods: As per our previous study the ethanolic and aqueous extracts were rich in phytoconstituents and exhibited good in vitro antioxidant effect. So the ethanolic and aqueous extracts were used for evaluation of activity. Acute toxicity study (LD₅₀) was conducted according to OECD guidelines. For hepatoprotective activity paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity was studied using standard drug like Silymarin. The antioxidant potential] of the plant extracts were tested using three tests viz, Reduced GSH, Catalase and SOD activity Results: Acute toxicity studies showed the non-toxic nature of Cordia obliqua fruit extract upto dose of 3000mg/kg body weight. Administration of Paracetamol to rats increased the levels of marker enzymes like ALT, AST and ALP. Increase in the levels of these enzymes in serum indicates damage to the liver cells. Pretreatment with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cordia obliqua decreased the levels of ALT, AST, ALP and increased levels of total protein, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and comparisons histology of cells of extract which are an indication for the hepatoprotective activity. Conclusion: The fruits of Cordia obliqua are safe and effective in treatment of hepatic disorders and prevent oxidation of cells.