In vivo HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF Pyrrosia heterophylla (L.) M.G. PRICE, A FERN USED IN INDIAN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Pyrrosia heterophylla is an epiphytic fern used in Indian tribal and traditional medicine for treatment of jaundice and some inflammatory conditions such as asthma, swellings and pain. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of different leaf extracts of P. heterophylla on acetaminophen-intoxicated male Wistar rats. The hepatoprotective effect of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of P. heterophylla (PHE and PHM respectively) was evaluated by studying changes in liver function markers in serum such as AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and bilirubin. In vivo antioxidant effect of the extracts was evaluated by analysing the lipid peroxidation levels and antioxidant systems in liver. Histopathological study of liver tissue was done to support the biochemical analyses. Both PHE and PHM were found to have significant hepatoprotective effect on acetaminophen intoxicated Wistar rats in a dose dependent manner. Serum markers of hepatotoxicity as well as tissue lipid peroxidative products were maintained similar to normal in the rats pre-treated with extracts. Biochemical data was supported by results of the histological studies. The study substantiated the traditional use of P. heterophylla as a hepatoprotective agent. Leaf extracts of P. heterophylla were able to provide significant hepatoprotection in acetaminophen treated rats with PHE being more effective than PHM.