Hepatoprotective activity of the edible snail (Bellamia bengalensis) flesh extract in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance In the folk-traditional medicine, snails were used to purify blood, boost immune system, prevent conjunctivitis and to treat liver problems. Objectives To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the edible snail ( Bellamia bengalensis ) flesh extract in male Wistar rats treated with carbon tetrachloride as an hepatotoxicant. Materials and methods Live adult Bellamia bengalensis was collected commercially from the Kolkata market. Aqueous flesh extract (BBE) was prepared in 0.9% saline and expressed in terms of wet weight basis. The aqueous flesh extract was administered orally (1, 2 g kg −1  day −1 ) to male rats for 12 days. Liv52 was used as positive control. 24 h after administration of extract, the rats were given a single oral dose of CCl 4 (1.25 ml kg −1 ), except vehicle control rats. After 24 h of CCl 4 administration, all the animals were sacrificed to collect the blood and liver tissue. Results BBE (1 and 2 g kg −1  day −1 , p.o. × 12 days) significantly prevented CCl 4 induced elevation of SGOT, SGPT, γGT, ACP, ALP, bilirubin, LDH and CCl 4 induced decrease in total protein, triglyceride level in male Wistar rats. BBE treated rat liver anti-oxidant parameters (LPO, SOD, GSH, CAT, GPx) were significantly antagonized for the pro-oxidant effect of CCl 4 . Histopathological studies also supported the protective effect of BBE. Conclusion This study validated the folk and traditional use of snail in liver disorder through CCl 4 -induced rat experimental model.