Evaluation of Hepatoprotective and Hepatotoxic Activities of Root Extracts of Cyperus pertenuis in Rats

Aim of Study: The present study was conducted to assess the role of root extracts of Cyperus pertenuis (CP) in its ability to protect liver cells alongside the evaluation of its hepatotoxic effects if any.

Methodology: Dried powdered roots (1kg) of CP were macerated in ethanol (5 L) for five days. The residue obtained after filtration was then macerated in n-hexane (2 L) for 5 days. Both filtrates were concentrated by rotavapor to semi-solid pastes and in-vitro anti-oxidant activity was found by 2,2–Diphenyl–1­–Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. 42 rats were placed in seven groups (n=6). Group-I (vehicle control) was administered with 5% Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Group-II (disease control) was given paracetamol (1 g/kg/p.o) for seven days. Group-III (standard) was administered with silymarin (25 mg/kg/p.o) for seven days. Groups IV–VII were given plant extracts in different doses for seven days prior to administration of paracetamol. Blood was collected 18 hours after administration of paracetamol and serum levels of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Total Bilirubin (TB) were assessed. Moreover, toxicity and histopathological studies were also performed.

Results: In disease control group, the levels of ALT, AST, ALP and TB were observed as 174.5±1.8 u/l, 215.7±5.4 u/l, 689.8±9.1 u/l and 1±.06 mg/dl, respectively which were reduced significantly to 146.7±3.3 u/l, 139.5±6.5 u/l, 508.3±3.2 u/l and .81±.04 mg/dl in plant treated group (400 mg/kg/p.o). Necrotic lesions were observed in histopathological slides of disease control group while extract treated liver were free of necrosis and other structural damages. LD50 calculated for plant extract was 3162 mg/kg/p.o.

Conclusion: It is thus concluded that C. pertenuis root extract is a potent hepatoprotective agent and shows hepatotoxicity only at very high doses.