Antihepatotoxic effects of Eclipta alba, Tephrosia purpurea, Boerhaavia.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Antihepatotoxic activity of eclipta alba, tephrosia purpurea and boerhaavia diffusa
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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V. N. Murthy, B. Praveen Reddy, V. Venkateshwarlu, C. K. Kokate
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Antihepatotoxic activity of eclipta alba, tephrosia purpurea and boerhaavia diffusa
Year: 1992
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the antihepatotoxic activity of alcoholic and chloroform extracts of three traditional medicinal plants: Eclipta alba, Tephrosia purpurea, and Boerhavia diffusa. This research was prompted by the reliance on herbal preparations for treating liver disorders in traditional medicine, especially in the absence of effective treatments within modern medicine. Eclipta alba, known for its use in managing liver and gall bladder ailments, has shown potential protective effects against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced liver damage, while Tephrosia purpurea and Boerhavia diffusa have also been cited for their liver protective properties.
Assessment of Antihepatotoxic Activity
The study focused on assessing the effectiveness of the extracts after inducing liver damage in albino rats through CCl₄ administration. Following damage induction, various parameters of liver function were measured, including liver weight per body weight ratio, serum levels of transaminases (SGPT, SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (SALP), and bilirubin, as well as the pentobarbitone sleep time. The results indicated that the alcoholic extract of Eclipta alba significantly reduced elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin levels, suggesting marked hepatoprotective effects. Moreover, the results demonstrated that while Eclipta alba's alcoholic extract showed strong antihepatotoxic activity, the chloroform extract was less effective, and neither Tephrosia purpurea nor Boerhavia diffusa exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity under the study's conditions.
Conclusion
The findings from this study highlight the potential of Eclipta alba as an effective antihepatotoxic agent, particularly in its alcoholic extract form, making it a promising candidate for herbal-based treatments for liver disorders. While traditional medicine has long utilized these plants, the research underscores the need for further scientific validation of their efficacy. Overall, this investigation contributes to the understanding of herbal medicine and paves the way for future studies focused on the pharmacological benefits of Eclipta alba and other medicinal plants for liver health.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the purpose of the study on Eclipta alba?
The study aimed to evaluate the antihepatotoxic activity of Eclipta alba, Tephrosia purpurea, and Boerhaavia diffusa extracts on liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride in albino rats.
How were the extracts of the plants prepared?
The powdered materials of the plants were extracted using double maceration with chloroform and 95% alcohol. The extracts were then concentrated in a vacuum evaporator and dried.
What liver functions were assessed after treatment?
Liver function was assessed by measuring the liver to body weight ratio, serum transaminase levels (SGPT, SGOT), alkaline phosphatase levels, bilirubin levels, and pentobarbitone sleep time.
Which extract showed significant antihepatotoxic activity?
The alcoholic extract of Eclipta alba demonstrated significant antihepatotoxic activity by reducing elevated serum transaminase, alkaline phosphatase levels, and serum bilirubin while improving liver weight and function.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antihepatotoxic effects of Eclipta alba, Tephrosia purpurea, Boerhaavia.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
Activity refers to the physiological effects of substances, particularly in this context. The study evaluates the antihepatotoxic activity of extracts from Eclipta alba, Tephrosia purpurea, and Boerhaavia diffusa. This indicates the ability of these plant extracts to protect liver function and prevent damage from toxins like carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).
2) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The research focuses on traditional herbal medicine and its potential role in treating liver disorders. The effectiveness of herbal extracts in the study highlights the importance of exploring alternative treatments for liver health and reinforcing traditional knowledge.
3) Science (Scientific):
Scientific relates to the principles and methodologies of science. The study employs rigorous experimental design to validate the antihepatotoxic properties of herbal extracts. Scientific inquiry bridges the gap between traditional herbal knowledge and modern pharmacological studies, promoting the understanding of therapeutic potentials in natural products.
4) Water:
Water is an essential solvent in biological processes. In the context of this study, water serves as a medium for preparing plant extracts and is vital for the overall health of the experimental animals. Hydration plays a crucial role in metabolic processes and liver function, important for assessing extract efficacy.
5) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulation refers to the build-up of substances, which can indicate physiological changes. In the liver damage context, fat accumulation signifies disrupted lipid metabolism due to hepatocellular injury. Monitoring liver weight changes provides insight into the protective effects of herbal extracts against toxic-induced changes in liver function.
6) Discussion:
Discussion involves analyzing and interpreting the results of the study. It provides a platform for comparing findings with existing literature, highlighting the implications of the data and making connections between traditional medicinal practices and modern scientific research, and suggesting pathways for future studies on liver protection.
7) Sugar:
Sugar, particularly reducing sugars detected in Eclipta alba extracts, may have biological significance in liver health. Its presence could facilitate metabolic processes. Understanding sugar composition in herbal extracts can reveal their role in providing energy or influencing other liver functions, indicative of phytochemical interactions relevant to health outcomes.
8) Honey:
Honey is known for its medicinal properties, often used in traditional remedies. In this study, honey is mentioned in conjunction with Eclipta alba for treating ailments like jaundice. Its inclusion suggests a synergistic effect when combined with herbal preparations, which may enhance overall therapeutic efficacy in liver treatments.
9) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the body, crucial for transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste products. The study measures various liver function parameters in serum, reflecting overall systemic health. Monitoring blood parameters helps assess the toxic effects of CCl4 and the protective effects of herbal treatments on liver function.
10) Diet:
Diet refers to the nutritional intake of the experimental subjects. Proper diet is essential for maintaining health and supporting liver function, especially during studies involving chemical toxicity. The study ensures that diet is controlled to yield accurate results regarding the hepatoprotective effects of the tested herbal extracts.
11) Drug:
Drug signifies a substance used for medical treatment. The study investigates the potential of plant extracts as herbal drugs for liver protection. Findings can inform pharmaceutical developments, leading to new therapeutic agents derived from traditional knowledge, thus expanding the arsenal of available treatments for various liver disorders.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Antihepatotoxic effects of Eclipta alba, Tephrosia purpurea, Boerhaavia.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Eclipta alba, Tephrosia purpurea, Medicinal properties, Control group, Statistical Significance, Carbon tetrachloride, Ethanolic extract, Pharmacognosy laboratory, Chloroform extract, Serum transaminase, Animal house, Herbal drug, Bilirubin level, Antihepatotoxic activity, Boerhaavia diffusa, Alkaline Phosphatase level, Extract preparation methods, Albino rat.