Effect of Lagenaria siceraria fruit extract (Bottle gourd) on hepatotoxicity induced by antitubercular drugs in albino rats

Background: Anti TB drug induced hepatotoxicity has higher incidence in Indian population [11.5%] than western population [4.5%]. Antitubercular drug induced hepatotoxicity is mediated through oxidative and free radical damage to hepatocytes. Lagenaria siceraria [Bottle Gourd] is reported to have antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity. Hence in the present study we tested hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of fruit extract of L. Siceraria in anti tubercular drug induced hepatotoxicity.Methods: We administered antitubercular drugs alone and in combination with fruit extract of Lagenaria siceraria (EELS 100mg/kg and EELS 200mg/kg) in healthy albino rats by oral route for 15 days. On 16th day blood collection for biochemical analysis is done by cardiac puncture. Biochemical markers used are serum transaminases (SGPT/SGOT), serum alkaline phosphatase [ALP], total bilirubin, total protein, superoxide dismutase [SOD] and malondialdehyde [MDA]. Liver is dissected for histopathological examinations.Results: Groups that received EELS [100 mg/kg & 200 mg/kg], in combination with anti tubercular drugs, showed significant reduction [p value <0.001] in biochemical parameters for hepatotoxicity [SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Total bilirubin, Total protein] in comparison with group that received anti tubercular drugs alone. Combined treatment of EELS [100 mg/kg & 200 mg/kg] & Anti tubercular drugs showed significant reduction in oxidative stress [SOD & MDA, p<0.001] as compared to anti tubercular drug alone. Histopathological examination of liver showed grade I & grade 0 changes in combination group while grade IV changes in group receiving anti tubercular drugs alone.Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of Lagenaria siceraria fruit possesses significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity in antitubercular drugs induced hepatotoxicity