Preventive effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Vetiveria zizanoides roots on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats

Abstract

Objective: Paracetamol is commonly used drug for fever. Long term use of low dose or high dose can produce the liver toxicity. In India paracetamol is used widely leads to development of liver disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Vetiveria zizanoides (VZ) roots in paracetamaol induced liver toxicity in Wistar albino rats. Materials: Wistar albino rats weighted 220-250 g was selected for the study. A total of 30 rats were divided into six groups each of six rats. G-I Control (2% gum acacia), G-II Paracetamol (3 g/kg), G-III-Silymarin (200 mg/kg) + Paracetamol (3 gm/kg), G-IV-Hydroalcoholic extract of VZ root (150 mg/kg) + Paracetamol (3 g/kg) and G-V-Hydroalcoholic extract of VZ root (300 mg/kg) + Paracetamol (3 g/kg). Standard and test drugs were administered 1-7 days to their respective groups. On 8th day except control group all the rats were administered 3g/kg paracetamol. After 48 h blood was collected and used for biochemical estimations. Results: Group-II showed significant increase in liver enzymes compared to control group. Pre-administration of standard and test drugs significantly reduced the paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity. Standard drug showed significant reduction in liver enzymes compared to test drug. Conclusion: Pre-administration of hydroalcoholic extract of VZ root powder prevented the paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Further studies required to evaluate the causative molecule for hepatoprotective effect.