Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activities of Aqueous Extract of Cassia spectabilis Stem Bark against Thioacetamide Mediated Oxidative Stress Induced Hepatic Damage

The aim of this study was to evaluate thioacetamide mediated oxidative stress induced hepatic damage. Fresh stem bark of Cassia spectabilis was chopped and subsequently dried. Dried stem bark was ground into fine powder. Exactly 500 g of powdered plant sample was extracted with cold water. Twenty five adult male albino rats were divided into five groups of five rats per group. Group I was the normal control and was administered with 2 ml of distilled water, Groups III was treated with extract only, while IV was pretreated with 400 mg/kg of extract prior to administration of thioacetamide (TAA), while Group V was administered with 50 mg/kg of silymarin for 10 days after which animals were sacrificed and blood sample collected for analyses which were performed using standard procedures. Aqueous extract of Cassia spectabilis protected against hepatic damage and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, aqueous extract of C. spectabilis possesses hepatoprotective activity against oxidative stress mediated hepatic damage.