Hepatoprotective activity of picroliv, the active principle of Picrorhiza kurrooa, on rat hepatocytes against paracetamol toxicity

Picroliv, the active principle an iridoid glycoside mixture isolated from the plant Picrorhiza kurrooa , showed dose‐dependent (0.75–12 mg/kg × 7 days) protective activity on isolated hepatocytes (ex vivo) against paracetamol‐induced hepatic damage in rats. It increased the percent viability of the hepatocytes. Picroliv also restored the normal values of enzyme (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [GOT], glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase [GPT], and alkaline phosphatase) both in the isolated hepatocyte suspension as well as in the serum. Picroliv was found to be more potent than silymarin, a known hepatoprotective agent.