Protective effects of Ficus religiosa stem bark extracts against isoniazid and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in albino rabbits

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a worldwide pandemic disease and its death ratio is highest after HIV/AIDS. Rifampicin (RIF) and Isoniazid (INH) are the first line antituberculosis drugs that are administered for 6-8 months depending upon the severity of disease. This standardized therapy is associated with a number of problems including neuropathy, gastrointestinal and hematological disorders. As plants are used for the management of many ailments so the current study was planned to evaluate protective effects of Ficus religiosa against adverse effects associated with antituberculosis therapy. A total of forty rabbits were divided into five groups. Group 1 was kept as control. Group 2 was given antituberculosis drugs while groups 3, 4 and 5 were given silymarin, ethanolic ficus extract, and aqueous ficus extract along with antituberculosis drugs orally for the experimental period. Blood samples were taken before drug administration and at 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days post treatment for hematological and biochemical analysis. Liver tissues were taken for histopathological studies. Results have indicated that group treated with INH+RIF exerted synergistic effects causing hepatocellular damage thus induces the release of aminotransferases. Group treated with ficus alcoholic extract significantly reduced this elevation in enzymes showing hepatoprotective properties against INH+RIF induced toxicity. Hematolgoical studies indicated non-significant differences in treated versus control groups. Histopathological results showed necrosis, hepatic vascular degeneration and congestion as an adverse effect associated with concomitant use of INH+ RIF. In conclusion, F. religiosa extracts have hepatoprotective effects when administered along with the RIF+INH comparable to that of silymarin.