Hepatoprotective Activity of Rubia tinctorum’s Extract against CCl4 Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats

This study investigated the hepatoprotective activity of Rubia tinctorum’s extract against CCl4 induced liver damage in rats. Twenty four rats were divided into four groups. Group I received normal saline (10 ml/kg) and group II (normal control) was treated with vehicle (olive oil 1 ml/kg), Group III (CCl4 control) received 1 ml/kg CCl4 mixed with equal volume of olive oil and Group IV (test group) received simultaneously the extract (1 g/kg) + CCl4 for 15 days. At the end of the experiment (2 weeks), blood and liver samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis. The present study revealed that CCl4 significantly increased (P<0.001) hepatic markers (ASAT, ALAT, GGT, ALP and direct bilirubin) activities, but these effects were decreased by the treatment of rats with Rubia tinctorum’s extract. Histopathologically, the potential hepatoprotective (the hepatoprotective potential of the plant) activity of the plant was also revealed by its regenerative action on CCl4 induced liver tissues injury.

This finding indicates that Rubia tinctorum L has a potent hepatoprotective effect against CCl4-induced liver damage and improved the biochemical and histopathological results.