Hepatoprotective effect of Phyllanthus amarus Linn. and its mechanism on paracetamol hepatotoxicity in rats

Malinee Wongnawa, Asst. Prof., D. of Pharmacology, F. of Sci., PSU.
Wandee Udomuksorn, D. of Pharmacology, F. of Sci., PSU.
Sathaporn Purttipunlai, D. of Pharmacology, F. of Sci., PSU.
Nisita Bumrungwong, Asst. Prof., D. of Pharmacology, F. of Sci., PSU.
Peerarat Thaina, D. of Pharmacology, F. of Sci., PSU.
Anupong Nitiruangjarat, D. of Pathology, F. of Medicine, PSU.
Apichat Muso, Scientist, D. of Pathology, F. of Medicine, PSU.
Corresponding e-mail : wmalinee@ratree.psu.ac.th

Grant : Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine
Presented : Seminar on Thai Traditional Medicine, 27-29 June 2000, Ministry of Health, Bangkok
Key words : Phyllanthus amarus Linn., paracetamol, hepatotoxicity, cytochrome P450, reduced glutathione

The hepatoprotective effect of Phyllanthus amarus Linn. and its mechanism were studied on paracetamol toxicity in rats by monitoring serum transaminase (SGOT and SGPT) and alkaline phosphatase, as well as by histopathological examination of liver. Furthermore, the activity of cytochrome P450 and hepatic reduced glutathione were also determined. P. amarus in the dose of 0.8, 1.6 or 3.2 g/kg were orally administered at 1 hr. prior to, 2 or 4 hr. after single oral dose of paracetamol (3 g/kg). The results showed that the hot water extract of P. amaurs, as well as the dried powder in the dose fo 3.2 g/kg given at 1 hour prior to paracetamol administration (3g/kg) exhibited the greatest hepatoprotective effects as indicated by the decrease in SGOT and SGPT, while SALP and histopathology were not change. The hepatoprotective mechanism of this plant was not related to the inhibition of cytochrome P450 activity, but partly due to the increased in hepatic reduced glutathione.

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