Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of leaf decoction of Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm. in Charles Foster albino rats

Abstract

Background: Bhuidumri, distinctive of the folklore floras of Odisha, is recognized as Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm., family Moraceae. The leaves of Bhuidumri are recounted for their traditional usage and they are used to treat jaundice, stomach ailments, wound, indigestion, liver ailment, and skin diseases. The present research article aims at exploring the hepatoprotective activity of leaf decoction of F. semicordata in Charles Foster albino rats. Materials and Methods: The dried leaves of F. semicordata were prepared into powder, and the decoction (kwatha) form was used in accordance with the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. The hepatoprotective activity of a trial drug (4.5 mL/kg, po) was assessed against thioacetamide-persuaded hepatotoxicity in Charles Foster albino rats. Silymarin (100 mg/kg, po) was used as a reference standard drug in a positive control group. Results: Thioacetamide-treated rats revealed a nonsignificant increase in SGPT (665.00 ± 298.96) and SGOT (1196.67 ± 540.38) in comparison with the normal control group. The F. semicordata kwatha-treated group revealed a nonsignificant increase in SGPT (1091.80 ± 558.23) and SGOT (2652.00 ± 944.83) in comparison with the thioacetamide control group. Sylimarin revealed a nonsignificant decrease in SGPT (110.80 ± 20.62) and SGOT (425.60 ± 157.74) in comparison with the thioacetamide control group. Microscopic examination of liver sections from normal control rats exhibited normal cytoarchitecture; thioacetamide-administered rats and F. semicordata kwatha-treated group with thioacetamide showed severe centrilobular necrosis and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) infiltration, multifocal Grade [3]. The reference standard group-treated groups showed mild necrosis and PMN infiltration with fatty changes, Grade [1]. Conclusion: F. semicordata leaf kwatha is nonhepatoprotective on thioacetamide-induced liver toxicity in rats at the given dose and dosage form.