Protective effects of Morus alba L. (white mulberry) against toxicity induced by Isoniazid in experimental rabbits

Abstract

The hepatoprotective efficacy of the hydroalcoholic extract of Morus alba L. (M. alba) was evaluated in rabbits previously induced hepatotoxicity by isoniazid. For this study rabbits were randomly divided into five groups (n=8) in which Group 1 served as control, Group 2 as untreated control on isoniazid, Group 3 as treated control on standard hepatoprotective drug silymarin and Group 4 and 5 as treated control on different doses (400 mg/kg body weight, 800 mg/kg body weight) of the hydroalcoholic extracts of M. alba from 0-28 days. Blood samples were taken at 7-day intervals from jugular vein (0-28 days) and serums were separated after centrifugation. Liver enzyme profile including SGPT, SGOT were determined by using reagent kits available in the market. While, hematological parameters including Hb, WBCs, RBCs, ESR, PCV and platelet count were determined. It was observed that hydroalcoholic extract (800 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced the elevated levels of liver enzymes (SGPT and SGOT) in hepatotoxic rabbits at post treatment day 28. Variation in hematological parameters was observed in various treated groups as compared to each other and control in experimental trial.