Protective Effect of Solvent Fractions of Methanolic Bark Extract of Euphorbia tirucalli on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Damage
Abstract
Liver disorders remain a major global health concern, and the search for safe plant-based hepatoprotective agents continues to gain importance. In this study, the hepatoprotective activity of different solvent fractions of the methanolic bark extract of Euphorbia tirucalli was evaluated using a carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity model in rats. CCl₄ administration produced significant liver injury, as evidenced by marked elevation of serum SGPT, SGOT, ALP, and total bilirubin levels compared to normal control animals, confirming successful induction of hepatotoxicity. Treatment with various fractions of Euphorbia tirucalli resulted in a significant reduction in these biochemical markers, indicating restoration of liver function. The effect was found to be dose dependent in all treatment groups. Among all fractions tested, the ethyl acetate fraction showed the most pronounced hepatoprotective activity, particularly at 400 mg/kg. It significantly normalized liver enzyme levels and bilirubin concentration, with effects comparable to the standard drug silymarin.Percentage protection analysis further supported the biochemical findings, with the ethyl acetate fraction demonstrating the highest protective effect against CCl₄-induced hepatic damage. Histopathological observations also confirmed these results, showing severe necrosis, fatty changes, and inflammatory infiltration in the toxic control group, whereas treated groups exhibited varying degrees of hepatic recovery. The ethyl acetate fraction showed near-normal liver architecture with minimal cellular damage. In conclusion, the results indicate that the bark extract fractions of Euphorbia tirucalli possess significant hepatoprotective activity. This effect is likely due to antioxidant phytoconstituents that reduce oxidative stress and stabilize hepatocyte membranes. The ethyl acetate fraction emerged as the most active, suggesting its potential for further phytochemical isolation and development of hepatoprotective agents.