Assessment of Hepatoprotective and Free Radical Scavenging Effects of Rhinacanthus nasuta (Linn.) Kurz in Wistar Rats

Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective and free radical scavenging properties of Rhinacanthus nasuta. Materials and methods: The methanolic extract of the aerial parts of R. nasuta ( RN ) was tested for its hepatoprotective properties by using paracetamol, to induce liver injury in Wistar rats. Free radical scavenging effects (superoxide, hydroxyl and lipid peroxide) were studied in vitro using standard procedures. Results: RN significantly protected the liver from paracetamol- induced liver damage as evidenced from decreased level of serum enzymes and an almost normal architecture of the liver of RN treated rats. It also significantly scavenged free radicals (superoxides, hydroxyl and lipid peroxides) from the in vitro system. Conclusion: RN possessed significant hepatoprotective and free radical scavenging effects.