Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Hopea erosa Leaves against Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The study investigates the hepatoprotective effects of the ethanolic extract of Hopea erosa leaves against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in Wistar albino rats. Liver damage was induced using a high dose of paracetamol (1000 mg/kg), and the therapeutic effects of Hopea erosa at two different doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) were compared with a standard hepatoprotective drug, silymarin (100 mg/kg). Preliminary phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of active compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and steroids in the extract. Acute toxicity studies indicated the safety of the extract up to 2000 mg/kg. The study observed significant biochemical changes in liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and total bilirubin in the paracetamol group, which were reversed with Hopea erosa treatment, especially at the higher dose. Histopathological examination showed that liver damage (necrosis, inflammation, cirrhotic nodules) caused by paracetamol was notably reduced in the extract-treated groups, with the high-dose group exhibiting near-normal liver architecture. The findings suggest that the hepatoprotective effect of Hopea erosa may be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents. This research provides scientific support for the traditional use of Hopea erosa in liver-related ailments and suggests its potential for further development into plant-based liver therapeutics, although additional pharmacological and clinical studies are needed to isolate and characterize its active components.