EVALUATION HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC AND AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF CASSIAAURICULATA LEAVES ON PARACETAMOL INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY

ABSTRACT The present study investigated the protective effect of methanol and aqueous extract of Cassia auriculata (C. auriculata) on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Paracetamol, though widely used as an analgesic and antipyretic drug, causes hepatotoxicity at higher doses through oxidative stress and covalent binding to intracellular proteins. In the experimental model, paracetamol (500 mg/kg b.w., p.o.) was administered to rodents for 10 days. The intoxicated rodents were subsequently treated with methanolic extract of C. auriculata (MECA), aqueous extract of C. auriculata (AECA) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, b.w., and silymarin (100 mg/kg, b.w.) as standard hepatoprotective agent for the next 10 days. After the experimental period, serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, total protein, and albumin were evaluated. Hepatic antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also measured in each group. Administration of C. auriculata extract significantly (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) lowered the elevated serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, and total cholesterol compared to the paracetamol-treated control group. Total protein levels were restored toward normal in treated animals. The methanolic extract at 400 mg/kg dose demonstrated the most significant hepatoprotective activity, with results comparable to silymarin treatment. The hepatoprotective effects of Cassia auriculata extracts were confirmed through both physical and biochemical parameters. The methanolic extract exhibited superior hepatoprotective activity through restoration of liver function and antioxidant status, suggesting the presence of potent bioactive compounds responsible for this protective effect. Key Words Hepatoprotection, Cassia auriculata, Paracetamol hepatotoxicity, Antioxidant activity, Phytochemical evaluation, Wistar rats