Protective role of Beta vulgaris L. leaves extract and fractions on ethanol-mediated hepatic toxicity.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective action of Beta vulgaris Linn. (BV, Chenopodiaceae) leaves against ethanol-mediated hepatotoxicity. Rat hepatocyte culture and rats were used as in vitro and in vivo screening models, respectively. In the in vitro studies, different extracts (i.e., petroleum ether, ethanol and aqueous) and fractions derived from ethanol extract (i.e., chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) of BV leaves were screened. In vivo hepatoprotective activity was assessed in rats intoxicated with ethanol. Levels of serum markers enzymes together with antioxidants were measured to evaluate the extent of hepatic protection. Silymarin was taken as reference drug. In the in vitro studies, n-butanol fraction of BV leaves (BVBF) was found to be more potent than others. Moreover, in the in vivo evaluation, BVBF at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg showed marked protective action against ethanol-induced hepatic toxicity as evident by restoration of biochemical changes caused by ethanol. The present study concluded that BVBF possess potent hepatoprotective effect against ethanol-induced hepatic toxicity and it may have a great potential role in the management of alcoholic liver disease.