Hepatoprotective Effect of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Andrographis paniculata Nees Against Carbon Tetrachloride – Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Hepatoprotective effect of the aqueous leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata was investigated against CCl4 – induced hepatic injury in rats. Significant (P<0.05) increase of serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBL), direct bilirubin (DBL), total cholesterol (CHL), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in CCl4 intoxicated rats were restored to normal levels when treated with the extract and CCl4. Significant (P<0.05) decrease of serum levels of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in CCl4 intoxicated rats were restored to normal levels when treated with the extract and CCl4. The LD50 of the leaf extract was greater than 3000 mg/kg. The study demonstrated that A. paniculata possesses significant hepatoprotective effects and may be the source of lead compound in the management of liver diseases.Key words: Hepatoprotective, Andrographis paniculata, Carbon Tetrachloride, Liver Disease