Hepatoprotective Activity of Michelia nilagirica against Paracetamol Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats

Background: Michelia nilagirica belonging to the family Mangoliaceae is commonly used by many traditional healers in most of the herbal preparations for diabetes and kidney diseases. Objective: Different fractions isolated from ethanolic extract of whole plant of Michelia nilagirica is investigated for hepatoprotective activity in wistar albino rats against paracetamol induced hepatic injury. Materials & Methods: Rats were divided into eight groups. Each group contains six animals. Hepatic injury was achieved by injecting paracetamol at a dose of 2 mg/kg p.o. Results: The hepatoprotective action is seen with fraction A by reduction in serum marker enzymes like Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT). It also reduced the elevated levels of Alkaline phosphotase (ALP) & Serum bilirubin. Conclusion: Histopathological studies further confined the hepatoprotective activity of fraction A against paracetamol treated group. The results obtained were compared with silymarin (100 mg/kg, orally), a standard drug.