Comparative evaluation of the hepatoprotective activity of methanol leaf extracts of Pterocarpus santalinoides DC obtained by cold maceration and Soxhlet extraction techniques (TJPS-2020-0188.R1)

Abstract

Objectives: This study compared the hepatoprotective activity of Pterocarpus santalinoides cold maceration extract (PSCME) with Pterocarpus santalinoides Soxhlet extract (PSSE). Materials and Methods: Phytochemical constituents of both extracts were determined. 45 albino rats, randomly assigned into 9 groups (1 – 9) of 5 rats each, were used for the study. Liver damage was induced in groups 1 – 8 using carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Group 1 served as untreated control, groups 2 – 7 were treated with 50, 250 or 500 mg/kg PSCME or PSSE, group 8 was treated with 100 mg/kg silymarin, while group 9 served as normal control. Treatment was done orally for 15 days. Serum enzyme activities, proteins, cholesterol and bilirubin levels, relative liver weight and liver histomorphology were evaluated. Results: There were higher concentrations of phenols and saponins in PSCME than in PSSE. 250 mg/kg dose of both PSCME and PSSE significantly (p<0.05) protected hepatocellular integrity, enhanced hepatic bilirubin clearance, ameliorated hepatomegaly, and also led to less severe vacoulation and necrosis of hepatocytes in the rats given CCl₄. Conclusion: Extracts of P. santalinoides obtained by cold maceration and Soxhlet extraction techniques are of nearly equal hepatoprotective potency. The heat applied during Soxhlet extraction had no adverse effect.