Antihepatotoxic activity of p-methoxy benzoic acid from Capparis spinosa.

p-Methoxy benzoic acid isolated from the methanolic soluble fraction of the aqueous extract of Capparis spinosa L. (Capparidaceae) was found to possess significant antihepatotoxic activity against carbontetrachloride and paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in vivo and thioacetamide and galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes, using in vitro technique. The compound was characterized through physicochemical and spectral studies. Isolation, identification and antihepatotoxic activity of the compound is reported for the first time in the plant. HPTLC analysis of methanol soluble fraction indicated that the compound constitutes 33% w/w of the active fraction.