Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of Sphaeranthus indicus Flower Heads Extract

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. (Asteraceae) against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity and the mechanism underlying these protective effects in rats. Methods: The hepatoprotective effect of Sphaeranthus indicus (Flower heads) extracts was studied using CCl₄ (2 ml/kg, s.c.) induced liver damage in rats. The effect of extract on bile flow was studied in anaesthetised normal rats by surgical cannulation with polyethylene tubing. The drug was given intraduodenally after one-hour bile collection. Result: The animals receiving the extracts of Sphaeranthus indicus has shown to possess a significant protective effect by lowering the serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). This hepatoprotective action was confirmed by hexobarbitone-induced sleeping time in mice, which was increased by CCl₄ treatment and in addition the extract-stimulated bile flow (choleretic activity) in anaesthetized normal rats. Conclusion: Methanolic extract of Sphaeranthus indicus flowers produces prominent hepatoprotective activity in animal models.