Hepatoprotective Effect of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni Leaf Extract in CCLrlnduced Liver Injury in Albino Rats

摘要

The efficacy of aqueous leaf extract of Stevia rebaudiana, a non-calorific natural sweetener was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl_4)-induced liver damage in albino rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced by i.p. administration of 30% CCl_4 suspended in olive oil (1 ml/kg of body weight). After the treatment regimen animals were sacrificed and liver enzymes AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH were assayed in serum along with total protein and antioxidant status was assessed in liver tissues by determining theactivities of SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH. The lipid peroxidation levels were also assessed. The observations suggested that pre-treatment of the natural sweetener could possibly protect CCl_4-induced liver damage and that the exerted effect is connected withits antioxidant and hepatoprotective nature.