Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: This study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of acetone and methanol extracts of Zingiber chrysanthum rhizomes (AEZC & MEZC) in mice. Fifty four mice were randomly divided into nine groups viz I to IX and given a single dose of CCl₄ (3 ml/kg b.wt., i.m.) except Group I (control), followed by silymarin (3 mg/kg b.wt, p.o.) to Group III and AEZC and MEZC at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 750 mg/kg b.wt in feed to groups IV to IX, respectively, for seven days. A significant (P<0.01) increase in the levels of serum cholesterol, total proteins, bilirubin, albumin, urea, glucose, triglycerides and enzymic activity of AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase as well as histopathological changes in liver indicated a hepatotoxic effect of CCl₄ in mice of in group II. An improvement in biochemical parameters indicated a hepatoprotective effect in mice treated with AEZC and MEZC. The antioxidant potential of AEZC and MEZC was evaluated in terms of reducing power activity, from Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺, 2, 2-diphenyl -1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability and the effect on the chelation activity of Fe²⁺ in comparison with, the synthetic and natural antioxidants. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was as synthetic antioxidant and gallic acid and catechin were used natural antioxidants for reference. Both extracts showed significant (P<0.01) antioxidant activity. The results of this study show that both AEZC and MEZC extracts have a hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential effect in mice with CCl_4- induced hepatotoxicity.

Key words: Zingiber chrysanthum, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, carbon trtrachloride