Abstract
Background: We hypothesized that carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity may be prevented by oral administration of Phyllanthus fraternus extract by inhibiting lipid peroxidation.

Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of P. fraternus (AEPF) in Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: Five groups of Wistar rats were selected from 30 healthy animals, with six rats in each group. Group A received normal saline 10 ml/kg (p.o). Group B animals were fed with normal saline (10 ml/kg, p.o.). Group C animals were treated with Liv 52–100 mg/kg orally. Groups D and E rats were treated with plant extract orally once daily at the dosage of 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively. Total duration of experiment is 20 days; CCl4: Olive oil was given i.p on 2nd, 5th, and 8th days for all group of rats except Group A. On the 21st day, biochemical parameters such as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, cholesterol, and total protein were estimated from the collected blood. Liver tissues were collected from rats for histopathological examination.

Results: P. fraternus exhibited judicious defensive effect by lowering (serum levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, bilirubin, and cholesterol) and rising total protein levels. The reduction of necrosis and sinusoids was observed in histopathological examination.

Conclusion: The present study results support that the AEPF have a dosedependent hepatoprotective activity.

Key words: Carbon Tetrachloride; Hepatoprotective Activity; Phyllanthus fraternus; Biochemical Parameters; Necrosis