The liver participates in various metabolic processes in human body. Exposures to toxins such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) result in hepatocyte destruction and release the cell contents. Pepino (Solanum muricatum Aiton) contains antioxidants that protect the liver from hepatoxicity. The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of pepino in protecting the hepatocyte from hepatotoxic effect of CCl4. Methods: A total of 16 Wistar rats were divided into control and therapeutic groups.

more »

... e control group was given pepino juice for 10 days. For induction of hepatotoxicity, CCl4 10% was given at a dosage of 2.0 mL/kg intra-peritoneal. The therapeutic group was given 1.0 mL of 300 g/mL pepino juice via oral feeding. Hepatoxicity was measured through SGPT level in both groups T-test was used to analyze the data. Results: The therapeutic group showed a larger decrease (6898.9 IU/L-79.1 IU/L) in SGPT level compared to the control group (6469.8 IU/L-418.5 IU/L) P-value <0.05. The SGPT level in the therapeutic group reached normal baseline (50 IU/L-150 IU/L. Conclusions: Pepino juice at the dosage of 300 g/mL may have hepatoprotective effect. [AMJ.2015;2(4):541-5]