ABSTRACT:
Plants have been used in many countries for formulation of different drugs against different dreadful diseases. A recent study reveals that 25% products present in different drugs are derived from plants. Taraxacum officinale is a perennial herb belongs to the family Asteraceae, and commonly known as Dandelion and has been traditionally used against poor digestion, water retention and for disease of liver including hepatitis. Considering the potentiality of plants as a source of drugs, a systematic study was made to screen out different phytochemical constituents (qualitative and quantative activities) of Tararacum oficinale which revealed the presence of flavonoids, flavonols and flavonones, flavones, polyphenols and also H202 scavenging activity. Due to these diverse activities, its ethanolic extract was further evaluated for its therapeutic potential against CI, induced experimental injury. Ethanolic extract of Taraxacium officinale was administered to the animals at different doses (100 and 200 mg/ kg. po) for 5 days. On 6" day animals were exposed to carbon tetrachloride (1.0 ml/kg. i.p) and they were sacrificed after 24h of CCL, administration. Various blood and tissue biochemical and histological studies were conducted. CCl, exposure caused significant rise in level of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, protein, urea, albumin, bilirubin, creatinine, triglycerides, and cholesterol in serum and also reduced blood sugar level. Lipid peroxidation was enhanced significantly, whereas GSH was decreased in liver, kidney, testes and brain of carbon tetrachloride intoxicated group. Ethanolic extract of Taraxacium officinale successfully prevented these alterations in animals. Activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were maintained towards normal with extract therapy. Optical microscopic studies showed considerable protection in organs with Taraxacium officinale treatment and substantiated the biochemical observations. Thus, it may be concluded that Taraxacium officinale extract possesses ability to protect liver dysfunction by regulating its antioxidative defense activities.