Abstract

EXPERIMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF SHLESHMATAKADHYA AGAD AS A NATURAL HEPATOPROTECTIVE AGENT IN PARACETAMOL TREATED RATS

Dr. Manish Kumar, Dr. O. P. Singh, Dr. Ramesh Chandra Tiwari*, Dr. Bhawana Mittal and Dr. Pooja Sharma

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Abstract

Introduction: Liver disease, particularly drug-induced hepatotoxicity, poses a major public health challenge, especially in developing countries. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), although safe at therapeutic doses, can cause acute liver failure in overdose due to the accumulation of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which depletes hepatic glutathione and induces oxidative stress. Shleshmatakadhya Agad, a classical Ayurvedic formulation indicated in Visha Chikitsa, is traditionally used against Dushi Visha—a concept analogous to chronic toxic injury. This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Shleshmatakadhya Agad in a Wistar rat model of paracetamolinduced hepatotoxicity. Material and Methods: An experimental study was conducted on 18 Wistar rats divided into three groups (n = 6): Control (distilled water), Test (Shleshmatakadhya Agad, 12 gm/kg), and Standard (Mucinac, 54 mg/kg). Hepatotoxicity was induced by oral administration of paracetamol (1000 mg/kg) for seven days. Treatments continued for 30 days, followed by evaluation of serum SGOT, SGPT, ALP, total protein, albumin, and direct bilirubin. Histopathological analysis of liver tissues and acute toxicity testing (300mg/kg up to 2000 mg/kg) were also performed. Results: showed significant reductions (p < 0.001) in hepatic enzymes and improved biochemical parameters in both the Test and Standard groups compared to control. Histology revealed mild hepatic changes in treated groups versus moderate necrosis in controls. No toxicity signs were observed in the acute study. Conclusion: Shleshmatakadhya Agad demonstrated significant hepatoprotective potential, with efficacy comparable to Mucinac, supporting its role as a safe and effective herbal intervention against drug-induced liver injury.

Keywords: liver, Paracetamol, Hepatotoxicity, Shleshmatakadhya Agad, Dushi Visha.