Isolation of an anti-hepatotoxic principle from the juice of Ecballium elaterium

The antihepatotoxic activity of elaterium (dried juice of the fruits of Ecb allium elacterium, Cucurbitaceae) and cucurbitacin B (isolated from the jui ce) was studied against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Pre- and posttreatment with elaterium and cucurbitacin B reduced CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity, as shown by the reduction in the anormally increased sGPT levels. Posttreatmen t caused a significant reduction in the degree of steatosis observed in the control group, treated only with CCl4. In conclusion, elaterium and cucurb itacin B had preventive and curative effects against CCl4-induced hepatotox icity.