Abstract

Protective role of dandelion against acute liver damage induced in albino rats

Author(s): Tabassum Nahida, M.Y.Shah, M.A.Qazi, A.Shah, M.Mudasir

Liver diseases are on an increase in our society and numbers of herbal medicines are currently being used, because of their less cost and higher safety margin than the synthetic drugs, for its treatment. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) a commonly used antipyretic and analgesic, seems safe when taken in therapeutic doses but larger amounts may cause fatal hepatic necrosis. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinaleWeber., locally known asHand) is abundantly available in Kashmir. It is mainly used for kidney and liver disorders in the traditional system of medicine. Root and leaf preparations are used as choleretic, diuretic and tonic components. Juice of the fresh plants is said to be effective against liver diseases, intermittent fever and hypochondria. However no systematic study is available on the efficacy of Dandelion as hepatoprotective agent. In the present study extract of Dandelion was screened for its antihepatotoxic activity against acute hepatocellular damage induced in experimental animals. The raised serumAST, ALT, SAP and cholesterol levels were significantly lowered after administration of the extract. Histopathological studies of the livers of rats supported the biochemical findings.