The methanolic extract of Ficus bengalensis and its fraction induces antihepatotoxic activity in vivo: possible involvement of antioxidant action

Ficus bengalensis (Moraceae) known as a Banyan tree Vada tree in Ayurveda. The plant is a large evergreen tree distributed almost all over the world and is used medicinally for treatment of different disorder. In the present study, the methanolic extract of bark Ficus bengalensis and its different fractions were evaluated for their hepatoprotective activity against CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity. The methanolic extract was prepared and fractionated using the solvents of varying polarity like toluene, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol and tested for hepatoprotective activity in the rats. Extent of hepatic damage was assessed by levels of SGPT, SGOT, ALP, Total Bilirubin and Direct Bilirubin and histopathologic study of liver sections. Probable mechanism was investigated by carrying out free radical scavenging activity of extract and its fractions. There was a significant increase in the levels of serum GOT, GPT after administration of CCl₄ (0.7 ml/kg) to rats. Methanolic extract (100 mg/kg) and (250 mg/kg) and ethyl acetate fraction (50 mg/kg) produced significant reduction in the level of these enzymes.

Tab. 1: % decrease in levels of enzymes and bilirubin by methanolic extract of Ficus bengalensis and its ethyl acetate fraction as compared to CCl₄ treated control group

Extract/Fraction	Methanolic Extract	Methanolic Extract	Ethyl Acetate Fraction
Parameter	(100 mg/kg)	(250 mg/kg)	(50 mg/kg)
SGPT (%)	56.17	72.81	70.90
SGOT (%)	39.58	55.82	51.77
ALP (%)	43.59	54.86	39.64
Bilirubin (Total) (%)	33.50	33.50	61.00
Bilirubin (Direct) (%)	67.06	67.05	71.16

Methanolic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction also preserve the structural integrity of the hepatocellular membrane as revealed from histological studies and it also exhibited significant antioxidant activity in tested models. Thus F. bengalensis bark exhibited antihepatotoxic effect and it appears that the hepatoprotection offered by F. bengalensis may be related to its antioxidant activity.