Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Commelina diffusa Burm extracts on gentamicin-induced liver damage in rats

Commelina diffusa is a plant rich in antioxidant compounds, used in traditional medicine to treat many diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Commelina diffusa. Total phenolic and flavonoids content of extracts were determined. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by administration of gentamicin (80 mg/kg, i.p.) once daily for 10 days. Simultaneously, extracts were given at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. At the end of treatment, body weight of rats was measured; blood and liver tissues were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis. The results showed that aqueous and methanolic extracts of C. diffusa contain significant amounts of total phenols and flavonoids. These extracts significantly decreased (pCommelina diffusa could protect against hepatotoxic effects of gentamicin. Keywords: Commelina diffusa, Gentamicin, Hepatoprotective activity, Antioxidant.