3,4,5-TRIHYDROXY BENZOIC-ACID (GALLIC ACID), THE HEPATOPROTECTIVE PRINCIPLE IN THE FRUITS OF TERMINALIA-BELERICA BIOASSAY GUIDED ACTIVITY

Compound I isolated from fraction TB5 of Terminalia belerica and final ly identified as 3,4,5-trihydroxy benzoic acid (gallic acid) was evalu ated for its hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride (C Cl4)-induced physiological and biochemical alterations in the liver. T he main parameters studied were hexobarbitone-induced sleep, zoxazolam ine induced paralysis, serum levels of. transaminases and bilirubin. T he hepatic markers assessed were lipid peroxidation, drug metabolising enzymes, glucose-6-phosphatase and triglycerides. Administration of C ompound I led to significant reversal of majority of the altered param eters. Our results confirm the presence of hepatoprotective activity i n Compound I. (C) 1997 The Italian Pharmacological Society.