Adnan Jehangir, Nagi A H, Shahzad M, Azam Zia.
The hepato-protective effect of cassia fistula (amaltas) leaves in isoniazid and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in rodents.
Biomedica Jan ;26(1):25-9.

Certain medicinal plants have been reported to have their effect on various experimentally induced diseases. Drug induced hepatitis (DIH) is one of them. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of ethanolic extract of Cassia fistula leaves in experimentally induced drug hepatitis (DIH) in rodents. The rats were divided into four groups, i.e. a control group (A), antituberculous (ATT) group (B), and the remaining two groups (C and D) served as experimental therapy groups. They received Cassia fistula extract as hepatoprotective agent. Rats having normal liver functions were included in this study. Group C experimental rats received (INH/RIF) (50 mg/kg) each and ethanolic extract of Cassia fistula at 400 mg/kg of body weight. On the other hand group D experimental rats received (INH/RIF) (50 mg/kg) each and ethanolic extract of Cassia fistula at 500 mg/kg of body weight. Blood samples were taken at 30th day and liver in each was taken out for microscopical examination on day 30th. The (ATT) group rats showed variable increase in serum ALT, AST, ALP and total bilirubin levels. Group C treated with 400 mg/kg of body weight Cassia fistula treatment decreased the level of these parameters in rats. On the other hand group D rats treated with 500 mg/kg body weight of Cassia fistula dose significantly decreased levels of these biochemical parameters. The morphological examination of experimental group C rats showed slight recovery whereas the rats in experimental group D showed a significant recovery. Cassia fistula constituents, especially flavonoids and anthraquinones have strong anti-oxidant activity which provides hepato-protection against drug-induced hepatitis (DIH). In conclusion, high dose of Cassia fistula ethanolic leaves extract (500 mg/kg) body weight showed hepatoprotection against INH/RIF induced hepatitis in rats.

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