Liver Function Tests

Systematic screening of forty-seven haemophiliacs in Sheffield revealed abnormal liver-function tests in thirty-six (77%), with a tendency for these abnormalities to persist. To assess the importance of these abnormalities, percutaneous liver biopsy was carried out on eight symptom-free patients under factor-VIII cover. A wide spectrum of chronic liver disease was demonstrated, including chronic aggressive hepatitis and cirrhosis. The liver pathology bore no relation to clinical history or to biochemical findings.

Artemether, an efficacious antimalarial drug, effectively prevents patent schistosome infections and morbidity, as established in laboratory models and in clinical trials. In view of concern about the potential long-term toxicity, rats were treated orally with 80 mg/kg artemether once every 2 weeks for 5 months. After the final treatment, routine blood test results were normal except for reversible reductions of reticulocyte counts and reversible increases in hemoglobin levels.

Liver function tests were performed in 61 vivax, 54 malariae and 15 ovale malaria patients who were admitted to Bangkok Hospital for Tropical Diseases between 2001 and 2004. The objective of the study was to evaluate changes in hepatic biochemical indices before and after treatment with artemisinin derivatives. On admission and prior to treatment, hepatic dysfunction was found among the 3 groups. Serum liver function tests and physical examinations were performed weekly during the 28-day follow-up period.

Chondrokola Rosh (CKR) is a traditional metallic Ayurvedic preparation widely used by the rural and ethnic people of Bangladesh in dysuria. It is a preparation of various roasted metals (Hg and Cu), non-metal (sulphur and Mica) and medicinal herbs. Considering the controversy over the risk of toxic heavy metals in Ayurvedic herbo-mineral preparations, toxicological parameters on liver functions were investigated. A single dose of 100mg/kg body weight of the preparation was administered orally to the rats of both sexes for ninety days.

HD-03 is a polyherbal formulation containing plant drugs which are known for their hepatoprotective properties in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. In the present study, the formulation was evaluated for its protective effect against diverse hepatotoxic agents viz., paracetamol, thioacetamide and isoniazid. Treatment with HD-03 led to significant amelioration of toxin-induced changes in the biochemical parameters.

Gold containing Ayurvedic preparation, Swarna Vasant Malti, was given to 20 male persons in a dose of 100 mg twice a day for 40 days under supervision of Ayurvedic physicians. The total cumulative intake of 160 mg of gold at the rate of 4 mg per day in this form did not have any toxic effect on human body as evidenced by clinical examination, unaltered body weight, absence of urinary pathology and by 30 sensitive biochemical and enzymatic tests. The gold from this Ayurvedic preparation was found in plasma and erythrocytes, excreted partly in urine and was present in semen.

Nymphaea stellata willd., a medicinal plant mentioned in Ayurveda for the treatment of liver disorders, has not been subjected to systematic scientific investigations to asses its hepatoprotective effects. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of extract of Nymphaea stellata willd., flower against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in albino rats.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is one of the most common diseases in society. A large number of studies are in progress to identify natural substances that are effective in reducing the severity of ALD. 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid (HMBA), the active principle of Hemidesmus indicus, an indigenous Ayurvedic medicinal plant in India, is expected to significantly inhibit the development of liver injury in ethanol administration.

Lampito mauritii, an earthworm widely used in Siddha as well as Ayurveda, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-ulceral and anti-oxidative properties. The present investigation shows its hepatoprotective role. Whole tissue extract of Lampito mauritii protect the paracetamol (2 g/kg body weight. p.o.) induced liver damage rat as a dose dependent manner (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight p.o.) by significantly (P < 0.05) decreasing the hepatic marker enzymes--aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase similar to silymarin (150 mg/kg b.w. p.o.).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Different parts of the plant Trichosanthes cucumerina Var cucumerina L. (cucurbitaceae) are used to treat liver disorders, traditionally. It is one among the constituents in various Ayurvedic formulations used for the treatment of liver disorders and other diseases. AIMS OF STUDY: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the protective effect of Trichosanthes cucumerina against experimentally induced liver injury.