Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Leucas aspera against D-galactosamine induced liver damage in rats.

Whole plant of Leucas aspera (LA) Willd. (Labiatae) is traditionally used in Siddha medicine for hepatic ailments. LA was investigated for its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and protective effect on microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes (MDMEs). LA aqueous extract (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated for its hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity in d-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Biochemical and histopathological studies were performed to assess hepatoprotective activity. Hexobarbitone-induced sleeping time model was used to study the protective effect of LA on MDMEs. D-GalN administration induced hepatotoxicity in rats which was manifested by increased levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total bilirubin and oxidative stress. Pretreatment with LA extract significantly protected the liver in D-GalN administered rats. LA extract significantly elevated antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and decreased lipid peroxidation levels in liver. The total phenolic and flavonoid content in LA aqueous extract was found to be 28.33 ± 0.19 gallic acid equivalents mg/g of extract and 3.96 ± 0.57 rutin equivalent mg/g of extract, respectively. LA extract (200 and 400 mg/Kg) treatment with CCl₄ decreased the hexobarbitone-induced sleeping time in mice by 56.67 and 71.30%, respectively, which indicated the protective effect of LA on hepatic MDMEs. Histological studies showed that LA at 400 mg/kg attenuated the hepatocellular necrosis in D-GalN intoxicated rats. Our results contribute towards validation of the traditional use of LA in hepatic disorders.