Hepatoprotective evaluation of Anogeissus latifolia: In vitro and in vivo studies

AIM: To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of a hydroalcoholic extract of the bark of Anogeissus latifolia; in vitro in primary rat hepatocyte monolayer culture and in vivo in the liver of Wistar rats intoxicated by carbon tetrachloride (CCl_4). METHODS: In the in vitro study, a primary hepatocyte monolayer culture was treated with CCl_4 and extract of Anogeissus latifolia. Hepatoprotective activity was demonstrated in the CCl_4 damaged primary monolayer culture. In the in vivo study, the hepatoprotective activity of a hydroalcoholic extract of Anogeissus latifolia was analyzed in liver injured CCl_4-treated rats. Biochemical parameters including serum transaminases [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)] and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum were analyzed. The biochemical findings were supplemented with histopathological examination of rat liver sections. RESULTS: In vitro: primary hepatocyte monolayer cultures were treated with CCl_4 and extract of Anogeissus latifolia. A protective activity could be demonstrated in the CCl_4 damaged primary monolayer culture. In vivo: Hydroalcoholic extract of Anogeissus latifolia (300 mg/kg) was found to have protective activity in rats with CCl_4-induced liver damage as judged from serum marker enzyme activity. CONCLUSION: The above findings lead to the conclusion that the hydroalcoholic extract of Anogeissus latifolia is hepatoprotective. Hence, we suggest that the inclusion of this plant in the management of liver disorders is justified.