Hepatoprotective Activity of Ficus Religiosa Leaf Extract in Rats

Ficus religiosa was investigated for its possible protective effect against paracetamol and CCl4-induced hepatic damage. IV administration of a sub-lethal dose of paracetamol (500 mg/kg) produced liver damage in rats as manifested by the rise in serum level of transaminases (AST and ALT). Ttreatment of rats with Ficus religiosa(200 mg/kg) prevented the paracetamol-induced rise in serum enzymes. The hepatotoxic dose of CCl4 (1.5 ml/kg; orally) also raised the serum AST and ALT levels. The same dose of Ficus religiosa(200 mg/kg) was able to prevent the CCl4-induced rise in serum enzymes. These results indicate that Ficus religiosa possesses hepatoprotective activity.