title: Evaluation of hepatoprotective effects of Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in Wistar rats.
abstract: The rhizomes of Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) are used by the Kattunaikan tribe of Kerala, for the treatment of various hepatic disorders. In the present study, the effect of the methanolic extract of Helminthostachys zeylanica rhizomes on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in Wistar rats was studied. The results showed that significant hepatoprotective effect was obtained against CCl4-induced liver damage, by oral administration of Helminthostachys zeylanica methanolic extract as evident from decreased levels of serum enzymes and an almost normal architecture of the liver, in the treated groups, compared to the controls. The extract was effective in increasing the choleretic activity of anaesthetised normal rats. It also shortened hexobarbitone-induced sleeping time in mice, which was increased by CCl4 treatment, besides showing significant antilipid peroxidant effect in vitro. Thus, the present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of this plant in the management of liver diseases.
authors.affiliation: Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram 695562, India.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Suja
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Latha
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pushpangadan
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rajasekharan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D029624:Ferns; D006591:Hexobarbital; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020011:Protective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D027343:Rhizome; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D020011:Protective Agents; D006591:Hexobarbital; D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride