EVALUATION OF HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CYMBIDIUM ALOIFOLIUM (L.) SW EXTRACTS ON ETHYL ALCOHOL-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RODENTS

Objective: Liver diseases are among the leading causes of global morbidity and mortality, with alcohol consumption being a major contributing factor. The search for safer, plant-based hepatoprotective agents has gained significant interest. Cymbidium aloifolium is a medicinal orchid traditionally used for its therapeutic benefits, but its hepatoprotective potential remains underexplored. The present study aimed to analyze the phytochemical composition and evaluate the hepatoprotective efficacy of C. aloifolium ethyl acetate extract (CAEAE) and hydro-alcoholic extract (CAHAE) in an ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity model. Methods: Phytochemical screening of both extracts was carried out using standard qualitative methods, while quantitative estimation of total phenolic and alkaloid content was performed. Hepatoprotective activity was assessed in ethanol-induced liver-damaged rats, with Liv-52 serving as the standard reference drug. Serum biochemical parameters, including alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and total protein, were analyzed to evaluate liver function. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of steroids, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, and sugars in both extracts. The hydro-alcoholic extract (CAHAE) exhibited higher phenolic and alkaloid content compared to the ethyl acetate extract (CAEAE). Both extracts significantly reversed ethanol-induced liver damage and restored biochemical markers toward normal levels in a dose-dependent manner. The most pronounced hepatoprotective effect was observed at 400 mg/kg body weight, with CAHAE demonstrating superior activity to CAEAE. Conclusion: The findings indicate that C. aloifolium possesses potent hepatoprotective properties, likely due to its rich phytochemical content, particularly phenols and alkaloids. These results provide scientific validation for the traditional use of C. aloifolium and highlight its potential as a natural hepatoprotective agent. Further research is needed to isolate and characterize the active bio-compounds responsible for its protective effects.