Hepatoprotective Principles from the Stem Bark of Moringa pterygosperma

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Abstract
Studies on the hepatoprotective activity of different extracts of the stem bark of Moringa pterygosperma was carried out in albino rats. The total aqueous extract showed hepatoprotective action against carbon tetrachloride- and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicities, while the petroleum ether extract exhibited similar activity against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. Caffeic and fumaric acids, isolated for the first time from the bioactive total aqueous extract, were characterized and assessed for their in vitro hepatoprotective activity. These showed significant (p < 0.01) hepatoprotective activity against galactosamine- and thioacetamide-induced hepatic cytotoxicities. Therefore, the plant bark and these active compounds may be useful as hepatoprotectic agents.