The hepato-ameliorating effect of Solanum nigrum against CCl4 induced liver toxicity in Albino rats

Abstract

The present study was investigated to evaluate the hepato-ameliorating and antioxidant activity of two aqueous extracts of Solanum nigrum (SN) against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. Male Albino rats were divided in four groups with 8 animals in each group. Group (1) was normal group and group (2) was injected intraperitoneal (i.p.) with CCl4 (1ml/kg) 3 times weekly for 2 weeks (control). Group (3) was injected with CCl4 and then treated with extract from whole plant of Solanum nigrum (500 mg/kg) and group (4) was injected with CCl4 and then treated with extract from fruits of Solanum nigrum (250 mg/kg). CCl4 injection enhanced activity of hepatic enzymes (AST and ALT) while it decreased serum total protein and albumin in experimental animals. It also decreased RBC, platelets count, PCV and Hb levels. However it increased WBC count. CCl4 injection increased level of lipid peroxidation resulting in a decrease in the level of enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants. Treatment with two extracts of Solanum nigrum altered these changes to near normal levels. Buthepato-ameliorating and antioxidant effects of extract of Solanum nigrum fruits were found to be better than those of extract from whole plant of Solanum nigrum.