Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: Sarsaparilla is an important drug in Ayurveda, endowed with many medicinal properties. Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. is Indian
Sarsaparilla and is known as Sariva in Ayurveda. Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. var. pubescens (W. & A.) H k. f. is a variety of
H. indicus, found in South India. In the present study, the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of the roots of H. indicus
var. pubescens were evaluated in in vivo models. Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino Wistar rats by the administration of CCl4
(0.5 ml/kg), p.o. once daily for 7 days. Methanol extract of the roots of H. indicus var. pubescens was administered at the doses
200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/day, p.o. for 7 days. Serum biochemical analysis was performed to estimate the levels of SGOT, SGPT,
ALP, total proteins, albumin, total bilirubin, total cholesterol and triglycerides. Liver homogenates were used for the estimation
of total proteins, catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione and malondialdehyde. Histopathology studies were also
performed on the liver samples. The toxic effects of CCl4 were significantly controlled in the extract treated groups as manifested
by the restoration of hepatic antioxidant parameters to near normal values. There was significant (P<0.001) inhibition in lipid
peroxidation in the extract treated groups. The serum parameters were also significantly controlled in the extract treated groups.
The results were comparable with the standard drug silymarin. This study shows that roots of H. indicus var. pubescens possess
significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties.

Key words: CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity, Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens, in vivo antioxidant activity, hepatoprotective activity