EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF PUNARNAVA (BOERHAVIA DIFFUSA) IN DICLOFENAC INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN WISTAR RATS

Abstract

This research paper explores the potential hepatoprotective properties of Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa), a plant scientifically classified in the Ekasara Gana of Vishaghna Dravya by Acharya Sushruta, known for exhibiting rasayana gunakarma [2] in accordance with Ayurvedic principles. Traditionally, the roots of Boerhaavia diffusa L., commonly referred to as 'Punarnava,' have been employed by various tribes in India for treating diverse hepatic disorders. The study focuses on evaluating Punarnava's medicinal efficacy, particularly its in vivo antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effects [8]. Experimental hepatic damage was induced in Wistar rats using diclofenac (DF) [1,4,5]. Significantly, pretreatment with Punarnava root powder demonstrated a noteworthy reduction in the elevated body weight, serum bilirubin levels, and hematological factors induced by diclofenac (DF) [1,4,5]. These findings suggest that Punarnava acts as a safeguard for liver cells against DF-induced damage, primarily through its antioxidant effects on hepatocytes.

Keywords- Anti-stress activity, Diclofenac NSAIDs Drugs, Dushivisha, Garvisha, Liver Toxicity, Punarnava Hepatoprotective, Ykrut Raktavaha Strotas