Validation of Unani concept of (drug substitution) by physicochemical standardization and hepatoprotective activity of Linn. and its substitute Rosc. in albino Wistar rats.

Objectives: To validate the concept of (drug substitution) by evaluation of physicochemical standardization and hepatoprotective activity of & its substitute, in albino Wistar rats.

Methods: Physicochemical standardization by estimation of moisture content, ash values and extractive values were carried out using standard methods. Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino Wistar rats using CCl 1 mL/kg s. c. on alternate day for 14 days. Group I was served as Plain control and Group II as Negative control. Group III was administered silymarin 50 mg/kg p. o. while Group IV received HAE of 89.64 mg/kg p. o., and Group V was administered HAE of 45.73 mg/kg p. o. At the end of the study, serum bilirubin, AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT) and ALP were estimated. The histopathology of liver was also carried out.

Results: The physicochemical parameters of both test drugs viz. moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash and water soluble ash were found within normal limit. The total serum bilirubin, direct bilirubin, AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT) levels were significantly decreased in Test groups A and B when compared to the Negative and Standard controls. The microscopic examination of liver collected from animals of Group IV and Group V revealed significant recovery from hepatic toxicity compared to the Negative control.

Conclusions: The study experimentation has revealed that may be used as a substitute for in the treatment of liver diseases. However, the outcome has to be further corroborated with phytochemical evaluation and clinical trials of both the drugs. Furthermore, the concept of drug substitute in Unani system of medicine is also validated in the light of above study.