Protective effects of Picrorhiza kurroa extract against D-galactosamine-induced hepatitis in rats

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.