Hepatoprotective Activity of Momordica diocia Roxb Fruits in CCl4-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> Fruits, leaves and tuberous roots of <em>Momordicia diocia</em> are used in India as a folk remedy for treatment of a wide range of disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hepatprotective activity of the fruits of <em>Momordicia diocia</em> by preparing different extracts and the resultant extract were screened for the hepatprotective activity. The ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts of <em>Momordicia diocia</em> fruits were prepared and subjected for phytochemical screening and tested for their hepatprotective activity in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Phytochemical screening showed positive test for steroids, triterpenoids and glycosides (Etoh extract). The ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts showed a significant hepatprotective activity at a dose of 200 mg/kg (p.o.). The results suggested that <em>Momordica diocia</em> fruits possess potential hepatprotective activity against CCl₄ hepatotoxicity possibly by antioxidant activity. </span>