Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of Kyllinga nemoralis (Hutch & Dalz) rhizomes

Abstract

Aim of study: In view of the use of rhizomes of Kyllinga nemoralis L., against hepatopathy in ethnomedicine the present study was aimed at evaluating the hepatoprotective activity of the rhizomes of Kyllinga nemoralis against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Materials and methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by carbon tetrachloride and olive oil (50%, v/v). i.p. ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts of Kyllinga nemoralis rhizomes were administered to the experimental rats (100 and 200mg/kg, p.o. for seven days). The hepatoprotective effect of these extracts was evaluated by the assay of liver function biochemical parameters and histopathological studies of the liver compared with silymarin.

Results: Both extracts showed significant hepatoprotection when compared to control, similar to standard silymarin. Histology of liver sections also revealed that the extracts protected liver from injury.

Conclusions: The study identified a plant with potential hepatoprotective constituents which will be isolated and characterized in future.