R. Anandan et al., Protective effects of Picrorhiza kurroa extract against D-galactosamine-induced hepatitis in rats, MED SCI RES, 27(2), 1999, pp. 127-129
We have examined the protective effects of an extract of Picrorhiza kurroa
(Scrophularaceae), an ayurvedic medicinal plant, on D-galactosamine-induced
hepatitis in rats, an animal model of viral hepatitis in humans. Levels of
urea in blood and protein in liver and the activities of urea cycle enzyme
s (ornithine transcarbamoylase, arginosuccinase and arginase), aspartate tr
ansaminase and alanine transaminase in liver were determined. D-galactosami
ne toxicity was manifest as significantly lower production of blood urea an
d synthesis of liver proteins. Activities of the urea cycle enzymes were al
so significantly lower in D-galactosamine-induced hepatitis as compared wit
h controls. Prior oral treatment with an alcoholic extract of P. kurroa sig
nificantly prevented the D-galactosamine-induced declines in the levels of
blood urea and liver proteins and in the urea cycle enzyme activities. The
extract also tended to prevent the D-galactosamine-induced increases in the
activities of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase. These resul
ts indicate the protective effects of P. kurroa against D-galactosamine-ind
uced hepatitis in rats. Med Sci Res 27:127-129 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins.