Hepatoprotective effect of an active constituent isolated from the leaves of Ricinus communis Linn

Dose (1.5–12 mg/kg p.o. × 7) dependent choleretic, anticholestatic, and hepatoprotective activity in rat was observed with N‐demethyl ricinine isolated from the leaves of Ricinus communis Linn. The anticholestatic and hepatoprotective activity was seen against paracetamol‐induced hepatic damage. The choleretic and anticholestatic activity was evidenced by an increase in the volume of bile and its contents. The hepatoprotective effect was evaluated by an increase in the percent viability of hepatocytes (ex vivo) and by the reversal of altered enzymatic levels (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [GOT], glutamic pyruvic transaminase [GPT], and alkaline phosphatase) towards normal. The compound showed more potent activity than silymarin, a known hepatoprotective agent.