Antihepatotoxic Activity of Diterpenes of Andrographis Paniculata (Kal-Megh) Against Plasmodium Berghei-Induced Hepatic Damage in Mastomys Natalensis

AbstractAdministration of an alcohol extract of Andrographis paniculata (25 mg/kg) and two of its constituent diterpenes, andrographolide and neoandrographolide (6 mg/kg/day for two weeks) showed significant antihepatotoxic action in P. berghei K173- induced hepatic damage in M. natalensis. The increased levels of serum lipoprotein-X, alkaline phosphatase, GOT, GPT and bilirubin were markedly reduced by A. paniculata and its diterpenes. In the liver, these preparations decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation products and facilitated the recovery of superoxide dismutase and glycogen. The protective effects of andrographolide were comparable to those of neoandrographolide.