Hepatoprotective Activity of Aqueous Extract of Portulaca oleracea (Nunia sag) on Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Introduction: Aqueous extract of entire plant of Portulaca oleracea has hepatoprotective activity in LongEvans rats by inducing hepatic injury with carbon tetrachloride (CCL4). CCL4 induced hepatic damage was manifested by a significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes. Biochemical data exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea at oral dose of 500 mg/kg against CCL4 induced hepatic injuty. Silymarin was used as reference standard also exhibitedsignificant hepatoprotective activity against CCL4. The biochemical observations were supplemented with histopathological examination of rat liver sections. Results: Treatment with aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea in both CCl4 pretreated and CCl4 co-administered group resulted in significant decrease serum bilirubin, ALT, AST, Alk.P Conclusion: Extract of Portulaca oleracea has a good hepatoprotective effect on CCL4 induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats. However further studies should be carried out to determine the active principles responsible for the hepatoprotective effects and its cellular mechanism of action. Toxicological studies of Portulaca oleracea in animals should also be carried out before any clinical trial for suitability of using in human.