International Journal of Biomedical Research IJBR 2 [3] [2011]204‐212 www.ijbr.ssjournals.com Evaluation of Hepatoprotective activity of Capparis sepiaria leaves *R.Thirumalaikumaran a , C.UmaMaheswara Reddy a1 a, a1 Faculty of Pharmacy, Sri Ramachandra University, Porur, Chennai-116, Tamilnadu,India. Corresponding author*: priya.andichamy26@gmail.com This article is available online at www.ssjournals.com ABSTRACT The effect of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of capparis sepiaria Linn was studied against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in Wister rats. Significant hepatoprotective effects were obtained in liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride as evident from decreased serum levels of glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT),glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin (SB) in the capparis sepiaria (CS) treated groups (100,200 mg/kg), compared to the intoxicated controls. The hepatoprotective effect was further confirmed by histopathalogical studies of the liver, which showed improved architecture, absence of nuclear pycnosis, hepatocyte congestion and necrosis, when compared with the liver of the toxin group of animals. capparis sepiaria (CS) extract also showed significant free radical scavenging activity In Vitro. Thus the present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of this plant in the management of liver disorders. KEY WORDS: Capparis sepiaria, free radical scavenging activity, hepataprotection, histopathology of the liver, carbon tetrachloride. INTRODUCTION Capers, comprising of species of the genus capparis Linn. (family- capparaceae) are reported to have many medicinal properties. They reduce flatulence and have anti-rheumatic effects in ayurvedic medicine; capers are recorded as hepatic stimulants and protectors, improving liver function. They have been used to treat arteriosclerosis, as diuretics, kidney disinfectants, vermifuges, and tonics. Infusions and decoctions from caper root bark have been traditionally used for dropsy, anemia, arthritis and gout. They contain considerable amounts of the antioxidant bioflavonoid, rutin. Capparis sepiaria edgew is an astringent and used in cardiac troubles and biliousness. Capparis spinosa Linn is used in splenic, renal and hepatic complaints. It also has antitubercular property. Its root bark is used in ayurvedic preparations like liv. 52, used to treat acute viral hepatitis and cirrhosis 1 . The potent hepatoprotective effects of C.spinosa have already been reported. 2 Capparis sepiaria a closely related species is a dense armed handsome shrub, distributed throughout India and hence known as the Indian Caper. It has coriaceous leaves, white flowers and ovoid to ellipsoid berries 3 . It is likely that when bioactive compounds are found in