Estimation of antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn leaves extract

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of an extract of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn leaves against the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity using in vitro and in vivo models of liver injury. Materials and Methods: The coarsely powdered leaves of S. indicus Linn were successfully extracted with petroleum ether extract (SIPEE), chloroform extract (SICHE), ethyl acetate extract (SIEAE), ethanolic extract (SIEE), and aqueous extract (SIAQE). The total tannin content, total phenolic content, and total flavonoids content were evaluated. Extracts were administered to evaluate in vitro human live hepatoma cell line study and in vivo hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 intoxicated mice. Results: Different extracts of SI presented reducing power in the order of Vitamin C >SIEE >SIEAE >SICHE >SIAQE >SIPEE. At the concentration 200 μg/mL, SIEE showed 50.4% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging property, 57.1% hydroxyl radical° scavenging activity, 46.1% nitric oxide° (NO°) radical scavenging property, and 73.2% superoxide radical scavenging action. The treatment with SIEE prevented the hepatic malondialdehyde level by 22.22, 26.67, and 58.89% with the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Conclusion: This study suggested that the presence of flavonoids in S. indicus Linn leaves exhibiting marked antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities.