Comparative hepatoprotective activity of three Phyllanthus species, P. urinaria, P. niruri and P. simplex, on carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in the rat

Abstract

The effect of alcohol extracts of three Phyllanthus species was compared on carbon tetrachloride‐induced (chronic) hepatic damage in rats. Alcohol extracts of P. niruri, P. urinaria and P. simplex were administered orally at three different doses. Statistically significant reversal of the elevated serum levels of transaminases (GOT and GPT) were used as the biochemical indices for hepatoprotection. The results of the study indicated that only the extracts of P. niruri and P. urinaria afforded protection of liver in the chronic model. The hepatoprotective activity of P. urinaria is about 60% in comparison with P. niruri. Therefore, P. urinaria may be considered as a good substitute for P. niruri in cases of liver disorders in actual practice. Copyright © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.