Pharmacological Evaluation of Berberine against Nimesulide Induced Hepatoxicity

Hepatotoxicity is an injury to the liver that is associated with impaired liver function caused by exposure to a drug or various other agent. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in various plants, including Hydrastis Canadensis (goldenseal), Coptis chinensis (Coptis or goldenthread), Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape), Berberis vulgaris (barberry) and Berberis aristata (tree turmeric).The effect of Beberine at 160 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg dose were evaluated by its efficacy to protect against Nimuslide induced hepatotoxicity. After completing 10 days of drug treatment,on day 11, blood was collected through orbital plexus for estimation of various parameters .The measurement of serum SGOT and ALP levels used as a biomarker for diagnosis of liver disease. Nimesulide (100 mg/kg, i.p.) increased serum SGOT,and ALP at the end of 10th day of drug treatment reflecting the liver injury in comparison to control group. The present study found that berberine had both preventive and curative effects on Nimesulide - induced liver damage. Moreover, our findings suggest that dosages may be an important factor for pharmacological effects of berberine. The dosage of Berberine (160 mg/kg, p.o.) has higher efiicacy than the doses (80mg/kg, p.o.).Treatment by berberine significantly decreased serum SGOT and ALP. The results demonstrate the hepatoprotective effects of berberine against liver damage induced by nimesulide.