Antihepatotoxic activity of Swertia chirata on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The methanol extract of Swertia chirata was evaluated for antihepatotoxic a ctivity against carbon tetrachloride induced liver toxicity in experimental rats. The extract was Pound to be active and on fractionation into butanol soluble and chloroform soluble fractions, the activity was traced and foun d more profound in the chloroform soluble fraction. The butanol soluble bit ter rich Fraction showed marginal activity. The results based on biochemica l estimations have been expressed statistically and are additionally suppor ted by histopathological examination of the liver of experimental rats and pentobarbitone induced sleep time studies in mice. (C) 1999 John Wiley & So ns, Ltd.