Protective Effects of Costus Roots Against Carbon Tetra Chloride-Induced Liver Injured Rats

This study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of costus (Costus igneus) root powder and ethanolic extract against liver injury induced by CCl4 intoxication. Thirty-six white male albino rats weighing (140±10g) were used and divided into 6 groups, each group (6) rats. Rats infected of hepatic by injected with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) 0.2 ml/100 g body weight of 40 ml/l CCl4 dissolved in paraffin oil. Liver enzymes such as serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), kidney functions (uric acid, urea and creatinine), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), very low lipoprotein cholesterol (VIDL-c), oxidative enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity were determined. Identification of phenolic compounds of costus roots was determined using the HPLC technique. The HPLC results showed that the costus roots contained high amounts of bioactive compounds. Results also indicated that the costus roots improving all tested biochemical analyses such as serum liver enzymes, kidney functions, lipids profile and oxidative enzymes in rats. In conclusion, 400 mg/kg costus roots ethanolic extract recorded the best levels for protection, improvement liver enzymes, kidney functions, oxidative enzymes and lipids profile. Therefore, costus roots could be used in our daily drinking, besides its many health benefits.