Evaluation of hepatoprotective potential of Erythrina indica leaves against antitubercular drugs induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats

BACKGROUND: Erythrina indica Lam. traditionally used in the treatment of laxative, diuretic, worm infestation, liver ailment and joints pain. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antihepatotoxic potential of Erythrina indica against isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Liver toxicity was induced by antitubercular drugs (INH+ RIF) at dose level of 50 mg/kg each, p.o for 28 days. 50% methanolic extract of Erythrina indica (100 and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally once daily for 28 days. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters SGOT, SGPT, ALP, bilirubin, total protein, albumin and LDH. Meanwhile, in vivo antioxidant activities as SOD, CAT, GSH and, LPO were measured in liver homogenate also histological examinations were carried out to assess hepatoprotective activity. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The values were subjected to one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey multiple compare test. Results were considered statistically significant when P < 0.05. RESULTS: Obtained results demonstrated that the treatment with Erythrina indica (E. indica) significantly prevented drug induced increase in serum levels of hepatic enzymes. Furthermore, Erythrina indica significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation (P < 0.01 tp P < 0.001) in the liver tissue and restored activities of defense antioxidant enzymes GSH (2.15 ± 0.08 to 2.48 ± 0.99; P < 0.05), SOD (2.69 ± 0.752 to 3.712 ± 0.056; P < 0.05 to P < 0.01) and CAT (10.20 ± 0.58 to 12.59 ± 0.42; P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) towards normal. Histopathology of liver tissue showed that Erythrina indica attenuated the hepatocellular necrosis, regeneration and repair of cells toward normal. CONCLUSION: The results of this study strongly indicate the protective effect of Erythrina indica against liver injury which may be attributed to its hepatoprotective activity, and there by scientifically support its traditional use.