In-Vivo Evaluation of the Hepatoprotective Potential of Hedyotis aspera against Isoniazid and Rifampicin-Induced Liver Injury in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Drug-induced liver toxicity is a significant contributor to hepatic damage and is frequently linked with the use of antitubercular medications such as Isoniazid and Rifampicin. The present investigation was designed to assess the hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of Hedyotis aspera against liver injury produced by these drugs in experimental rats. Liver toxicity was experimentally induced in Wistar albino rats through oral administration of isoniazid (200 mg/kg) and rifampicin (200 mg/kg). The animals were allocated into five experimental groups comprising a normal control group, a disease control group, a standard treatment group, and two test groups treated with the methanolic extract of Hedyotis aspera (MEHA) at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. Several biochemical indicators of liver function, including serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, and total protein, were measured. In addition, liver tissues were subjected to histopathological examination to evaluate structural alterations. Rats treated with isoniazid and rifampicin exhibited a marked increase in liver enzyme levels, confirming the occurrence of hepatic damage. Administration of MEHA significantly lowered these elevated biochemical markers and improved the structural integrity of liver tissue when compared with the disease control group. The protective effect observed with the extract was comparable to that of the reference hepatoprotective drug Silymarin. Overall, the results indicate that Hedyotis aspera possesses considerable hepatoprotective properties. This activity may be attributed to the presence of bioactive phytochemicals, particularly flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which are known for their antioxidant potential.