Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of Cleome viscosa Linn. extract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Cleome viscosa Linn. (Capparidaceae) against carbon tetrachloride (CCI(4)) induced hepatotoxicity in experimental animal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Leaf powder of Cleome viscosa was extracted with ethanol. The hepatoprotective activity of the extract was assessed in CCI(4) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Various biochemical parameters were estimated and histopathological studies were also performed on rat liver. The hepatoprotective activity was also supported by determining a functional parameter, i.e. thiopental-induced sleep of mice poisoned with CCl(4). RESULTS: The test material was found effective as hepatoprotective, through in vivo and histopathological studies. The extract was found to be effective in shortening the thiopental induced sleep in mice poisoned with CCl(4). The hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract was comparable to that of silymarin, a standard hepatoprotective agent. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study show that ethanolic extract of Cleome viscosa has significant hepatoprotective activity.