To evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of the ethanolic extract of fruit pulp of Feronia limonia (Linn.) against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Albino rats of either sex weighing between 150-200 g were randomly assigned into six groups of six animals each. Group 1-Normal control: The animals were maintained as normal control, which were given distilled water only. Group 2- Induction of hepatotoxicity: The animals received paracetamol 500 mg/kg bw (p.o) at every 72 h for 10 Days. Groups 3 to 5: Animals received ethanolic extract of fruit pulp of Feronia limonia at 100, 200 & 300 mg/kg bw/day for 7 days (p.o). Group 6: The animals were treated with Silymarin (100 mg/kg p.o) which served as standard. Groups 3 to 6 were intoxicated with paracetamol (500 mg/kg bw) 1 h before the administration of extract or Silymarin for 10 days. Different hepatic biochemical parameters viz. AST, ALT, ALP, Total Bilirubin, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides & the body weights before & after treatment were evaluated to investigate the hepatoprotective activity. It was observed that in paracetamol intoxicated group; total cholesterol, total bilirubin, triglycerides, AST, ALT, ALP activities were significantly increased as compared to control group. Administration of 300 mg /kg bw of ethanolic extract of Feronia limonia L. effectively reduced these pathological damages caused by paracetamol intoxication. In addition to serum parameters treatment of 300 mg / kg bw of ethanolic extract of Feronia limonia L. also promotes the body weight in albino rats as shown in table 1 & 2 respectively. Inspite of tremendous advances in modern medicine, there are not many effective drugs available that stimulate liver function, offer protection to the liver from damage or help to regenerate hepatic cells. It may be concluded that the ethanolic extract of Feronia limonia L. showed hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Thus, in future this herbal formulation may be used as a strong hepatoprotective drug.
