Hepatoprotective Activity of Ricinus communis Leaves

Abstract

Ricinus communis (leaf extract) was evaluated for hepatoprotective, choleretic and anticholestatic activity. In a preliminary test with albino rats, an ethanol extract showed significant protection against galactosamine-induced hepatic damage. It also showed dose-dependent choleretic and anti cholestatic activity, and hepatoprotective activity as judged by hepatocytes isolated from paraceta mol-treated rats. On fractionation of the ethanol extract, maximum activity was localised in the butanol fraction. Subsequent chromatographic fractionation and testing in the galactosamine model led to the isolation of two active fractions which in turn yielded two pure compounds: ricinine and N-demethyl-ricinine. N-Demethyl-ricinine was found to be more active and it reversed the biochemical changes produced by galactosamine at a dose of 6 mg/kg x 7 days. It possessed marked choleretic activity and demonstrated an anticholestatic effect against paracetamol-induced cholestasis.