Effect of <i style="">Phyllanthus niruri</i> Linn.<i style=""> </i>treatment on liver, kidney and testes in CCl₄ induced hepatotoxic rats

Abstract

<i style="">Phyllanthus niruri </i>extract is extensively used in treating liver ailments. Effects of aqueous extract of <i style="">P. niruri</i> on liver, kidney and testes of CCl₄induced hepatotoxic rats were studied. High levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed in the CCl₄test group with significant reduction of MDA levels in all groups on <i style="">P. niruri </i>extract administration. Highest levels of glutathione (GSH) were found in <i>P</i><i style="">. niruri</i> group. Activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes were significantly reduced in the curative group (<i style="">P. niruri </i>treatment after CCl₄injection). Histopathology of liver showed lesser degree of inflammation in all <i style="">P. niruri </i>treated groups while the renal and seminiferous tubules showed eosinophilic protein casts with signs of tubular damage and degeneration. Testes also showed decreased amount of mature spermatozoa. The results suggest that <i style="">P. niruri</i> has anti-oxidant and hepato-protective activity with associated deleterious effects on kidney and testes.