Protective effect of Premna tomentosa on acetaminophen-induced acute hepatitis in rats

Premna tomentosa L. (Verbanacea) has been used in the Indian ayurvedic medi cinal system to treat liver disorders. We have studied the hepatoprotective effect of a methanolic extract of its leaves orally in acetaminophen-induc ed hepatitis in rats with respect to the activities of serum glutamate oxal oacetate transaminase, pyruvate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and alk aline phosphatase and the levels of tissue lipid peroxides, serum bilirubin and blood urea. Activities of the enzymes were significantly higher in ani mals with acetaminophen hepatitis as compared to controls. Pre-treatment wi th the Premna tomentosa extract significantly maintained the activities of marker enzymes at near-normal. The extract also maintained the levels of se rum bilirubin and blood urea at near-normal as compared with those in aceta minophen-treated rats. These results suggest that Premna tomentosa extract may afford a significant protective effect in acetaminophen-induced hepatit is. Med Sci Res 26:785-787 (C) 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.