The methanolic extract of Ficus bengalensis and its fraction induces antihepatotoxic activity in vivo: possible involvement of antioxidant action

• Published in: Planta Medica
• Main Authors: Baheti, JR, Goyal, RK
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: 21.08.2013
• ISSN: 0032-0943; 1439-0221
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1351951

Ficus bengalensis (Moraceae) known as a Banyan tree Vada tree in Ayurveda. The plant is a large evergreen tree distributed almost all over the world and is used medicinally for treatment of different disorder. In the present study, the methanolic extract of bark Ficus bengalensis and its different fractions were evaluated for their hepatoprotective activity against CCl 4 induced hepatotoxicity. The methanolic extract was prepared and fractionated using the solvents of varying polarity like toluene, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol and tested for hepatoprotective activity in the rats. Extent of hepatic damage was assessed by levels of SGPT, SGOT, ALP, Total Bilirubin and Direct Bilirubin and histopathologic study of liver sections. Probable mechanism was investigated by carrying out free radical scavenging activity of extract and its fractions. There was a significant increase in the levels of serum GOT, GPT after administration of CCl 4 (0.7 ml/kg) to rats. Methanolic extract (100 mg/kg) and (250 mg/kg) and ethyl acetate fraction (50 mg/kg) produced significant reduction in the level of these enzymes. Extract/Fraction Methanolic Extract Methanolic Extract Ethyl Acetate Fraction Parameter (100 mg/kg) (250 mg/kg) (50 mg/kg) SGPT (%) 56.17 72.81 70.90 SGOT (%) 39.58 55.82 51.77 ALP (%) 43.59 54.86 39.64 Bilirubin (Total) (%) 33.50 33.50 61.00 Bilirubin (Direct) (%) 67.06 67.05 71.16 Methanolic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction also preserve the structural integrity of the hepatocellular membrane as revealed from histological studies and it also exhibited significant antioxidant activity in tested models. Thus F. bengalensis bark exhibited antihepatotoxic effect and it appears that the hepatoprotection offered by F. bengalensis may be related to its antioxidant activity.