Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of the Seed Extract of Madhuca Longifolia against Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl₄)-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Experimental Animal Models

Abstract

The liver is the major organ responsible for the metabolism, detoxification, and biochemical regulation of various endogenous and exogenous substances. Hepatic damage caused by toxins, drugs, and oxidative stress remains a serious health concern worldwide. Conventional hepatoprotective drugs such as silymarin are effective but often limited by side effects and high cost, thereby encouraging the exploration of safer, natural alternatives. Madhuca longifolia (Family: Sapotaceae), commonly known as Mahua, has been traditionally used in Indian systems of medicine for the treatment of liver disorders, inflammation, and oxidative stress-related ailments.The present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of the ethanolic seed extract of Madhuca longifolia in experimental animal models. The crude extract was prepared by Soxhlet extraction using ethanol as the solvent and subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening, which revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, and glycosides. Acute oral toxicity studies were performed as per OECD guideline 423, confirming the safety of the extract up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups: normal control, CCl₄-induced hepatotoxic control, standard (silymarin 100 mg/kg), and two test groups receiving Madhuca longifolia extract (200 and 400 mg/kg). The extract exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in serum hepatic marker enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, ALP, and bilirubin) and improved total protein and albumin levels when compared to the toxic control. Additionally, the extract enhanced antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, CAT, GSH) and reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA). Histopathological studies of liver tissue supported the biochemical results by showing improved hepatic architecture in the treated groups. The results of the study clearly demonstrate that the ethanolic seed extract of Madhuca longifolia possesses significant hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride–induced liver damage in rats, which may be attributed to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. The findings justify the traditional use of Madhuca longifolia in liver disorders and suggest further research for isolation, characterization, and mechanism elucidation of the active constituents.

Keywords: Madhuca longifolia; Hepatoprotective activity; Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄); Hepatotoxicity; Antioxidant enzymes; Silymarin; Liver biomarkers; Oxidative stress.