EVALUATION OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF SCOPARIA DULCIS FOR HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY IN RATS.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of the methanolic extract of Scoparia dulcis (MESD) against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental animals. A review of existing literature indicated limited scientific evidence supporting the hepatoprotective use of this plant, prompting a systematic investigation. Preliminary phytochemical screening of MESD revealed the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrates, and proteins, suggesting bioactive constituents with therapeutic relevance. Hepatoprotective activity was assessed using biochemical markers such as SGOT, SGPT, ALP, LDH, ACP, total bilirubin, and total protein, along with antioxidant parameters (SOD, CAT, GSH, LPO) in albino mice and Wistar rats. Both low and high doses of MESD were compared with the standard hepatoprotective drug, silymarin. Paracetamol administration produced significant hepatic damage, as evidenced by elevated liver enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and histopathological alterations including centrilobular necrosis, congestion, and inflammatory infiltration. Treatment with MESD significantly restored biochemical parameters toward normal levels and markedly reduced histopathological lesions, indicating strong hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity. The hepatoprotective effect of MESD was comparable to that of silymarin, confirming its therapeutic potential. These findings suggest that Scoparia dulcis possesses effective protective activity against chemically induced liver damage, possibly through the enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms. Further studies are warranted to isolate and characterize the specific active constituents responsible for this activity. Keywords: Scoparia dulcis, hepatoprotective, MESD, paracetamol-induced