Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Activity, And Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Potential of a Polyherbal Formulation of Picrorhiza Kurroa, Phyllanthus Niruri, And Fermented Allium Sativum Against Ccl₄ And Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

Background: Picrorhiza kurroa, Phyllanthus niruri, and fermented Allium sativum have been traditionally used for their hepatoprotective properties. However, their combined efficacy in a polyherbal solution (PHS) remains underexplored.

Methods: The extracts of the crude plant powder were screened for phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. A polyherbal solution (PHS) was formulated in a 1:1:1 ratio and evaluated for hepatoprotective efficacy in Wistar rats using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity models. Biochemical markers (SGOT, SGPT, ALP, DB, LDH) and histopathological analyses were performed. Silymarin (50 mg/kg) served as the standard.

Results: The polyherbal solution (PHS) comprising Picrorhiza kurroa, Phyllanthus niruri, and fermented Allium sativum exhibited significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of key bioactives including flavonoids, phenols, tannins, and alkaloids. Quantitative analysis showed high total phenolic (237.29 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (120.38 mg QE/g) in the combined extract. PHS demonstrated strong radical scavenging effects across DPPH, ABTS, NO, and SOD assays with low IC₅₀ values, alongside robust iron-chelating and lipid peroxidation inhibition. Enzymatic assays showed enhanced catalase, peroxidase, and GSH levels, particularly in the high-dose group. Acute toxicity tests indicated PHS is safe up to 5000 mg/kg. In vivo, PHS significantly restored altered liver function biomarkers (ALP, AST, ALT, GGT, TBil, TP, ALB) and improved histopathology in both CCl₄ and PCM-induced hepatotoxicity, especially at 400 mg/kg, confirming a dose-dependent hepatoprotective effect.

Conclusion: The synergistic action of phytoconstituents in the polyherbal formulation confers strong antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects, supporting its potential as an effective therapeutic option.