Abstract

R. L. Manisha*, Mustala Pravalika, Bachu Bhavani, Sibam Padhy, Sudhakar Muvvala

ABSTRACT

Cassia auriculata used for a long period in various chronic diseases therapeutically. Aim of the current review is to search literature for the pharmacological properties, safety/ toxicity studies, pharmacognostic studies and phytochemical investigation of Cassia auriculata plant. Particulars of pharmacological activities, phytochemical isolation, toxicity studies etc. were extracted from the published reports focusing on the safety profile of the plant. Safety of the whole plant was concluded in the review. The compiled data may be helpful for the researchers to focus on the priority areas of research yet to be discovered. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Cassia Auriculata leaf extract on tissue lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in experimental hepatotoxicity. Administering ethanol to rats for 60 days resulted in significantly elevated levels of serum total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase(AST), alanine transaminase(ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as compared with those of the experimental control rats. Significantly elevated levels of tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxides and lowered activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were also observed on alcohol treatment as compared with those of experimental control rats. Concentration of serum non-enzymatic antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C were also significantly lowered on alcohol supplementation. Treatment with Cassia auriculata leaf extract at a dose of 250 mm kg-1 body weight and 500 mm kg-1 body weight to rats administered alcohol, lowered the levels of TBARS and hydroperoxides and elevated the activities of SOD and CAT and the levels of reduced GSH in the liver, brain, kidney and intestines significantly compared to unsupplemented alcohol treated rats. Cassia auriculata leaf extract treatment restored the serum vitamin E, and vitamin C levels also to near those of the experimental control animals. Our data indicate that supplementation with Cassia auriculata leaf extract can offer protection against free radical mediated oxidative reagent in experimental hepatotoxicity. In addition, histopathological studies of the liver and brain confirmed the beneficial role of Cassia auriculata leaf extract.