Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activity of Ethanol Extract of Valeriana wallichii in CCl4 Treated Rats

Aims: To screen the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of ethanol extract of roots of Valeriana wallichii DC (Valerianaceae)(VWE).
Study Design: Animal study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Anatomy (Histology section), J N Medical College, AMU, Aligarh, India, between July 2010-July 2012.
Methodology: The VWE extract was subjected to in vitro antioxidant and phytochemical screening. For In vivo hepatoprotective studies albino rats of either sex were used. For the study, three control groups were taken comprising of the normal control (normal saline), negative control (CCl4) and positive control group (Silymarin 50mg/kg). The test group was given a dose of 300mg/kg and 500mg/kg of VWE extract. Biochemical parameters (Transaminase (AST,ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Total Bilirubin), histopathological examination and in vivo antioxidant tests [Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Reductase (GSH) and Malonlydialdehyde (MDA)] were performed.
Results: The phytochemical study of VWE showed the presence flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. A dose dependent increase in the oxidative potential was observed in the extracts with total phenolic content 66.4GAE/g extract. VWE 500mg/kg and 300mg/kg showed a significant (p<0.001) increased in levels of AST, ALT and ALP as compared to negative control (percentage hepatoprotection=73% and 68% respectively). The GSH (p<0.001) and CAT in VWE 500mg/kg were significantly increased while MDA levels were decreased (P<0.001) as compared negative control. The findings were confirmed histopathological examination.
Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Valeriana wallichii showed dose dependent partial hepatoprotection against CCl4induced toxicity.