Protective Effect of Leaves of Ficus carica Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Damage in Rats

Fig leaves (Ficus carica Linn.) belonged to the family Moraceae and used as a source of medicines for the ailment of diseases. The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity against the carbon tetrachloride induced toxic chemical in rats. The petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol extract of Ficus carica leaves was prepared, and evaluated for phytochemical screening. The serum level of glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and bilirubin were investigated for the assessment of hepatoprotective activity of ethyl acetate extract. Additionally, the histological changes in liver were observed. Preliminary phytochemical investigations of the extracts of leaves of Ficus carica revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, glycosides, fats and carbohydrates. Pre-treatment with ethyl acetate extract of Ficus carica led to significant (p<0.05) decrease in serum SGOT, SGPT and bilirubin when compared to control group rats treated CCl4 in dose-dependent manner. The outcomes of histological study revealed that there was significant reversal of histological functional of liver. In conclusion, the findings of this study validated that the Ficus carica can improve CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.