Therapeutic Insights into the Hepatoprotective Effect of Strobilanthes callosa

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of Strobilanthes callosa using a well-established rat model of experimentally induced liver injury. The investigation assessed biochemical, hematological, oxidative stress, and histopathological parameters to determine the protective efficacy of the plant extract. Body weight was recorded at the beginning and end of the treatment period, while liver weight was measured after sacrifice to evaluate physiological changes associated with hepatic injury. Serum biochemical markers, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, albumin, and triglycerides, were analyzed using standardized enzymatic assay kits. Treatment with S. callosa significantly reduced serum ALT, AST, and ALP levels respectively, compared with the toxic control group (p < 0.05), indicating improved liver function. Bilirubin levels were significantly decreased, whereas albumin levels were restored toward normal values following treatment. Oxidative stress biomarkers revealed a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by along with increased antioxidant defense through restoration of catalase and glutathione levels respectively (p < 0.05). Hematological parameters, including hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) counts, packed cell volume (PCV), and differential leukocyte count, were evaluated to assess systemic toxicity, inflammatory response, and general physiological status. Histopathological examination of liver tissues using hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated marked improvement in hepatic architecture, with reduced necrosis, fatty degeneration, inflammatory infiltration, and tissue disorganization in treated groups compared with toxin-treated animals. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0, with results expressed as mean ± SD. Data were analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVA followed by appropriate post hoc tests, and differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.