Shiva Shanker Rai

In the present study, hepatoprotective effect of an ethanolic extract of Ipomoea batatas leaves, on liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was investigated. Wistar albino rats (n=6) were administered 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg body weight extract orally for 10 consecutive days. Marker enzymes SGOT, SGPT, serum protein and Bilirubin (total, direct and indirect) were estimated in serum whereas total protein (TP), Lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were estimated in liver tissue as markers for oxidative stress.  Histopathological assessment was also done on liver tissue. Ethanolic extract of Ipomoea batatas leaves administration for 10 days prevented the CCl4 induced hepatic injury and oxidative stress. Hepatoprotective effect of I. batatas in CCl4 induced liver poisoning was evident by decrease in elevated levels of SGOT, SGPT and bilirubin. Treatment with I. batatas increased the reduced levels of TP and SOD and decreased the elevated level of MDA concentration and catalase activity in CCl4 induced oxidative stress in the liver. The ability of ethanolic extract of Ipomoea batatas leaves to protect the liver toxicity in rats was further confirmed by histological findings in the liver tissue. In conclusion, it was observed that ethanolic extract of Ipomoea batatas leaves have a dose dependent potential to protect the liver against CCl4induced hepatic injury through its potent antioxidant activity in rats.