Antihepatotoxic activity of Saussurea lappa extract on D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatitis in mice.

The effects of aqueous-methanol extract of Saussurea lappa Clarke root (Sl.Cr) was investigated against D-galactosamine (D-GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatitis in mice. Co-administration of D-GalN (700 mg/kg) and LPS (1 microg/kg) significantly raised the plasma transaminase levels (ALT/AST) as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Pretreatment of mice with different doses of Sl.Cr (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) significantly prevented the D-GalN and LPS-induced rise in plasma levels of ALT and AST in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Post-treatment with Sl.Cr (600 mg/kg) significantly restricted the progression of hepatic damage induced by D-GalN and LPS (p < 0.05). The improvement in plasma enzyme levels was further verified by histopathology of the liver, which showed improved architecture, absence of parenchyma congestion, decreased cellular swelling and apoptotic cells in treatment groups as compared to the toxin group of animals. These data indicate that the Sl.Cr exhibits hepatoprotective effect in mice and this study rationalize the traditional use of this plant in liver disorders.