Pharmacological Evaluation Of Hepatoprotective Activity Of A Novel Herbal Combination In An Experimental Model

Liver disorders are among the major health challenges worldwide, often resulting from exposure to toxins, drugs, alcohol, and oxidative stress. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate a polyherbal hepatoprotective formulation containing extracts of Michelia champaca, Curcuma longa, and Emblica officinalis. The selected plants were subjected to pharmacognostic, physicochemical, and phytochemical evaluations to ensure their authenticity and quality. A polyherbal capsule formulation was prepared and evaluated for various quality control parameters, including appearance, weight variation, disintegration time, and microbial load. Hepatoprotective activity was assessed using a carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity model in rats. Biochemical parameters such as AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, urea, and creatinine were estimated along with antioxidant markers including TBARS, GSH, SOD, and catalase. Histopathological examination of liver tissues was also performed. The results demonstrated that the polyherbal formulation significantly restored altered biochemical parameters, enhanced antioxidant enzyme levels, reduced lipid peroxidation, and improved liver histoarchitecture compared with the toxic control group. The hepatoprotective effect was comparable to that of the standard drug silymarin. These findings suggest that the polyherbal formulation possesses significant hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and membrane-stabilizing properties and may serve as a promising natural therapeutic agent for the management of liver disorders.