Hepatoprotective effect of a protein isolated from Cajanus indicus (Spreng) on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

Treatment with hepatotoxin namely carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (0.1 ml/100 g of body weight; twice a week) induced acute hepatic necrosis in Swiss albino mice (male; body weight 30 g +/- 2), with significant alteration in the activities of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT); glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT); alkaline phosphatase (AP) and serum bilirubin. Administration of a protein fraction isolated from the leaves of C. indicus counteracted the action of CCl4 on transaminase, phosphatase showing hepatoprotection. Daily treatment with a purified protein fraction 'X' from the above plant (0.5 mouse ml i.p; 50-60 micrograms/ml) for a period of 7, 14, 21 days respectively showed decreased activities of serum transaminases alkaline phosphatase and decreased levels of serum bilirubin. These findings were further confirmed by histopathological study of liver.