Ameliorative effect of Urtica dioica root extract on CdCl2- induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Different parts of Urtica dioica are known for its antioxidant compounds having various applications in the health and nutritional products. The aim of this study was to elucidate the antioxidant properties of dried root extracts against CdCl2 induced acute liver damage by monitoring the hepatic biochemical markers at dose 250 mg/kg/day for 4 days and were subsequently exposed to a single dose Cd (4 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.) 12 hours after the last extract/ vehicle treatment.CdCl2 induced hepatotoxicity was evident from the increased activities of serum hepatic marker enzymes and total bilirubin along with reduction in total protein and albumin levels. Administration of Urtica dioica root extract at dose 250 mg/kg daily significantly reversed the enzyme activities and total bilirubin to their near normal and T. protein and albumin were increased significantly back to normal.