Comparative evaluation of hepatoprotective efficacy of Terminalia chebula Retz. and Terminalia belerica (Gaertn.) Roxb. fruits extracts in rat model

Use of herbs or herbal extracts is new therapeutic approach to minimize liver damage. Hepatoprotective efficacy of the ethanolic extracts of fruits of Terminalia chebula Retz. and Terminalia belerica (Gaertn.) Roxb. of Combretaceace family was studied at different doses in Albino Wistar rats against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) induced hepatotoxicity. Administration of CCl 4 resulted in significant elevation of liver weight and liver volume as well as serum alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and blood urea nitrogen level. The rats treated with T. chebula @ 200 mg/kg body weight showed mild degree of fatty changes with early degenerative changes in liver. Treatment with ethanolic extract of T. belerica prevented degenerative changes and macrovesicular steatosis induced by CCl 4, and stimulated regeneration of hepatocytes. The study revealed that T. belerica had good hepatoprotective effect against CCl 4 induced hepatotoxicity based on morphology as well as histopathology of liver and serum hepatic enzyme analysis. Therefore, T. belerica fruits might offer new alternatives to the limited therapeutic options for patients with compromised liver conditions.