Paper Key : IRJ************781
Author: Kiran Kushwaha1 1 Varun Jain1
Date Published: 01 Apr 2025
Abstract
Liver diseases represent a significant global health burden with limited effective treatment options. Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae), commonly known as goat weed, is a widely distributed plant traditionally used in various folk medicines for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing properties. This study investigated the hepatoprotective activity and phytochemical composition of the petroleum ether extract of Ageratum conyzoides. Hepatotoxicity was induced in Wistar rats using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Liver function was evaluated by measuring serum levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT), bilirubin, and total protein. Histopathological examination of liver tissues was performed to assess the extent of liver damage. The phytochemical analysis was conducted using standard methods. The results demonstrated that PEEAC significantly attenuated the elevated levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin induced by CCl4, while restoring total protein levels. Histopathological findings further confirmed the hepatoprotective effect, showing reduced liver damage in PEEAC-treated groups. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds including terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, and alkaloids in the petroleum ether extract. These findings suggest that PEEAC possesses significant hepatoprotective activity, possibly mediated by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of various phytoconstituents.