A preliminary study on serum liver function indices of Diethylnitrosamine induced hepatocarcinogenesis and chemoprotective potential of Eclipta alba in male Wistar rats

Aim: To study the effect of E. alba on liver function in experimental hepatocarcinogenesis in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: The study was designed to identify the protective effect of Eclipta alba in experimental diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. Sixty four male Wistar albino rats were randomly allotted to four groups of 16 rats each. DEN (0.01%, v/v) was given in drinking water ad libitum and E. alba (50 mg/kg BW/day) was administered per os either alone or in combination for 120 days. Serum protein, albumin and liver functional status enzyme profiles were studied. Results: Administration of DEN resulted in reduction in the body weights and DEN in combination with E. alba caused poor weight gain in male Wistar albino rats. Concurrent administration of E. alba with DEN significantly alleviated the effects of DEN on serum protein and albumin, while a partial protective effect was observed for other biochemical values and body weight. Conclusion: The designed study could establish the partial protective effect of E. alba in experimentally induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.