EVALUATION OF THE HEPATOPROTECTIVE AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF IMPATIENS BALSAMINA LINN. LEAVES AGAINST DICLOFENAC-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS

Abstract

Drug-induced liver injury is a major health concern and represents one of the most common causes of acute liver failure. Diclofenac, a widely prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is known to induce hepatotoxicity through oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the formation of reactive metabolites. Natural products with antioxidant properties have gained attention as potential hepatoprotective agents. Impatiens balsamina Linn. is a medicinal plant traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes and is rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, and other bioactive constituents with potent antioxidant activity. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Impatiens balsamina leaves (HAEIB) against diclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats. HAEIB treatment significantly restored altered biochemical parameters, increased GSH and SOD levels, and reduced LPO levels compared with the diclofenac-treated group, indicating attenuation of oxidative stress. Histopathological examination revealed marked protection against hepatic degeneration, necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration. HAEIB at a dose of 400 mg/kg demonstrated hepatoprotective activity comparable to that of the standard drug silymarin. These findings suggest that the hepatoprotective effect of HAEIB may be attributed to its antioxidant phytoconstituents and support its potential use as a natural hepatoprotective agent.