ABSTRACT

The leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bert. is commonly known as hypocaloric bio-sweeteners. It can be used in multiple health diseases and traditionally the leaves of Stevia are used as sugar substitute. The present study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Stevia rebaudiana leaves against thioacetamide-induced (s.c.) hepatotoxicity. Aqueous leaves extract of Stevia rebaudiana (AESR) at dose levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day were evaluated. Oral administration of Stevia leaves extract at 400 mg/kg resulted in a significant reduction in aspartate transaminase, (AST, 131.1±3.0 IU/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, 62.2±1.8 IU/L), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT, 13.0±0.3 IU/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP, 197.4±3.2 IU/L) and total bilirubin (0.23±0.0 mg/dL) compared to control. The glutathione (GSH) and MDA levels of the liver tissue samples were also measured. Histology of the liver sections of the animals treated with the extract also showed dose-dependent reduction of necrosis. The present investigation revealed the hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous leaves extract of Stevia rebaudiana against thioacetamide induced hepatotoxicity.