Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2001; 45(4) :481-486 HEPATOPROTECTION BY ELEPHANTOPUS SeABER LINN. IN CC1 4 -INDUCED LIVER INJURY M. G. RAJESH AND M. S. LATHA*YXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA School of Biosciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, PD Hills P.O., Kottayam - 686 560 ( Received on February 25, 2000 ) Abstract: The efficacy of the medicinal plant Elephantopus scaber Linn. (Asteraceae), to prevent carbon teterachloride (CCI)-induced chronic liver dysfunction in the rats was examined by determining different biochemical markers in serum and tissues. In serum, liver function marker enzymes like aspartate aminotrasferase (AST), alanine aminotrasferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and also protein were evaluated. The concentrations of total lipid, cholesterol and phospholipids were studied in serum and the different tissues. The concentration of serum triglycerides was also studied. The biochemical changes induced by CCI. in different tissues particularly in the liver tissue improved following treatment with E. scaber Linn. The results suggest the hepatoprotective effect of this medicinal plant. Key words: EZephantopus scaber hepatoprotective effect INTRODUCTION The liver, which occupies the pivotal position in body, plays an essential role in drug and xenobiotic metabolism and in maintaining the biological equilibrium of the organism. The role played by this organ in the removal of substances from the portal circulation makes it susceptible to first and persistent attack by offending foreign (xenobiotic) compounds culminating in liver dysfunction. Despite the tremendous strides in modern medicine, there is hardly any drug that stimulates liver function, offers protection to the liver ftom damage or helps carbon tetrachloride medicinal plant regeneration of hepatic cells. However, many herbal formulations are available for liver disorders on the Indian market based on Ayurvedic principles (1, 2). Polyherbal drugs are frequently considered to be less toxic and free from side effects than synthetic drugs. Medicinal plants like Andrographis paniculata, Boerhaauia diffusa, Eclipta alba, Hibiscus rosasinensis, Phyllanthus amaru.s, Phyllanthus debilis, Vitex negurulo etc. are well-known for their hepatoprotective effects (3-8). Elephantopus scaber Linn. of the family Asteraceae, IS. a perennial herb. It is light, *Corresponding Author