Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens Bak. roots

The methanolic extract of natural roots of Mucuna pruriens was screened for hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects in carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$) induced hepatotoxicity in Albino rats. The degree of protection was measured by estimating biochemical parameters like serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, total protein and level of serum bilirubin (both total and direct). The extract also reduced $CCl_4$ induced lipid peroxidation both in-vitro and in-vivo. Hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract at dose 300 mg/kg body weight, i.p., was comparable with standard drug Silymarin (25 mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, histopathological experiments were also carried out to support the study.