Hepatoprotective studies on Haloxylon Salicornicum: a plant from Cholistan desert

The objective was to study the in-vivo hepatoprotective effect of aerial parts of Haloxylon salicornicum (Moq.) Bunge (Family: Chenopodiaceae) in order to validate its traditional use in hepatobiliary disorders, by native people of Cholistan desert, Pakistan. Aerial parts (ethanolic extract) of Haloxylon salicornicum (HS), (500 and 750 mg/kg/day, p.o. for 7 days) were evaluated on CCl(4) intoxicated rabbits (0.75 ml/kg., s/c.) by serum biochemical parameters and liver histopathological observations. Silymarin (100 mg/kg/day, p.o. for 7 days) was used as a standard hepatoprotective drug. CCl(4) intoxicated group had elevated levels of SGOT, SGPT and ALP significantly but TB level was normal as compared to control group. HS extract (both doses of 500 and 750 mg/kg) showed hepatoprotective effect by significant restoration of SGOT, SGPT, ALP and TB levels as compared to CCl4 control. 500 mg/kg doses of HS extract produced more significant results as compared to 750 mg/kg doses and Silymarin. Histopathological examination of liver tissues further substantiated these findings. Therefore, outcome of the present study validate the traditional claims on hepatoprotective effects of Haloxylon salicornicum (aerial parts).