HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF PICROLIV AGAINST RIFAMPICIN-INDUCED TOXICITY

Picroliv, the active constituent of the plant Picrorhiza Kurroa, showe d significant hepatoprotective as well as anticholestatic activity aga inst rifampicin-induced hepatic damage. Rifampicin (50 mg/kg ip x 6 da ys) resulted in the reduction of bile flow as well as its contents (bi le salts and bile acids) in the conscious rat and anesthetized guinea pig. Further, it also caused a decrease in the viability and rate of o xygen consumption in isolated rat hepatocytes. Picroliv treatment sign ificantly reversed the altered parameters of bile and hepatocytes. The hepatoprotective drug silymarin on comparison was found to be less ac tive than picroliv. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.