Hepatoprotective properties of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Picrorhiza kurroa rhizomes were evaluated in cockerels given acetaminophen @ 500 mg/ body weight orally to induce hepatocellular damage. Ethanolic extract given @ 50 mg/kg body wt and acetaminophen helped in restoration of Hb, PCV, TEC, TLC and lymphocytes and heterophils as well as total protein, albumin and globulin, glucose, cholesterol, bilirubin and activity of AST, ALT, ALP and LDH. Histopathological examination of liver section of treated birds clearly showed normal hepatic cells and central vein thereby confirming hepatoprotective activity. Silymarin used @ 200 mg/kg body weight as reference standard also showed the same results. Aqueous extract revealed the least activity. Phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extract showed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, protein, resin, saponin, sterol and tannins. | Hepatoprotective efficacy of Picrorhiza kurroa in experimentally induced hepatotoxicity in cockerels
