Evaluation of acute toxicity and hepatoprotective activity of the methanolic extract of Dichrostachys cinerea (Wight and Arn.) leaves

BACKGROUND: D. cinerea are the chief source of drug compounds that are active against various ailments such as jaundice, inflammations rheumatism, fever, asthma, body ache, chest problems, toothache, ulcers, wounds, eye diseases and have an aphrodisiac property. In present study, It was aimed to test the hepatoprotective activity of the plant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The methanolic extract of Dichrostachys cinerea (Mimoseae) leaves was subjected to evaluation of acute toxicity and hepatoprotective property, using albino mice and rats. The parameters for estimation of liver function, based on serum markers such as total bilirubin, total protein, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase with histopathological profile of the liver tissue, were studied consequently. RESULTS: The methanolic extract did not show any mortality up to a dose of 3500 mg/kg body weight. The methanolic extract showed significant hepatoprotectivity. The histopathological profile of the drug-treated liver tissue demonstrated similar morphology as that of controls. CONCLUSIONS: Methanolic extract of Dichrostachys cinerea was found to have significant hepatoprotective activity.