Hepatoprotective activity of a herbal protein CI-1, purified from Cajanus indicus against β-galactosamine HCl toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes

A herbal protein, CI-1 purified from a leguminous plant Cajanus indicus, showed dose dependent-(1.5-6.0 mg/kg x 7 days) protective activity on isolated hepatocytes (ex vivo) against beta-galactosamine-HCl induced hepatic damage in rats. It enhanced the percent viability of the hepatocytes following beta--galactosamine treatment. CI-1 was also effective in counteracting the toxic effects of beta-galactosamine, as shown by reversed levels of the altered enzymes, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) both in isolated hepatic cells as well as in serum. In comparison silymarin, a known hepatoprotective agent, produced dose related protection at-relatively much higher doses than CI-1.