Hepatoprotective effects of Artemisia monosperma and silymarin on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in rat

The hepatoprotective effect of aqueous ethanol extract of Artemisia monosperma Delile aerial parts was investigated against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rat. The hepatoprotective activity of A. monosperma was evaluated by determination of liver enzymes marker in the serum (aspartat amino transferase AST; serum alanine transaminase ALT and alkaline phosphatase ALP). The histopathological studies were also carried out to support the above parameters. Oral administration of A. monosperma (100 and 200mg/kg) markedly reduced the elevated values of marker enzymes caused by CCl₄ – treatment. Glutathione (GSH) significantly decreases in the group treated with CCl₄. The two doses of A. monosperma and silymarin (25mg/kg) significantly increased GSH values when given in combination with CCl₄. However, silymarin normalized liver enzymes and increased GSH levels than A. monosperma (two doses) when compared with the control group. A comparative histopathological study of liver of rat treated with A. monosperma exhibited almost normal architecture, compared to CCl₄-treated group. Image analysis of liver revealed a marked reduction damage area after treatment with A. monosperma (100 or 200mg/kg) and silymarin compared with CCl₄-treated group. Phytochemical study of A. monosprema resulted in the isolation of a quercetin 3-O-β-glucopyranoside; quercetin 5-O-β-glucopyranoside; isorhamnetin 3-O-β-glucopyranoside; 5, 4' – dihydroxy 6, 7-dimethoxy flavone; 5, 3' – dihydroxy 6, 7, 4'- trimethoxy flavone; 5, 7, 3' – trihydroxy 3, 6, 4' – trimethoxy flavone; quercetin and isorhamnetin. Hepatoprotective effect of A. monosperma is probably due to combined effect of flavonoids.

Keywords: Artemisia monosperma, Carbon tetrachloride, Hepatoprotective activity, Flavonoids