The current study was conducted to measure the effect of polyherbal formulation (PHF) on drug induced hepatotoxicity in experimental animals. In addition, the study also determined any possibility of co administration of PHF along with hepatotoxic drug. The included polyherbal formulation contains plant extract of Himsra, Kasani, Kakamachi, Arjuna, Kashmarda, Birranjshipa, Jharuka and processsed in 50mg herbs each in powder form of Bhringraja, Punarnava, Guduch, Daruharidra, Mulaka, Amalaki, Chitraka, Vidanga, Haritaki, and Parpata. Evidences suggest that each of these components have hepatoprotective, liver tonic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. 

The authors assessed hepatotoxicity in experimental animals which was induced by methotrexate (1mg/kg p.o./week for 3 weeks) and protective effect of PHF (0.25ml/kg/p.o. and 0.5ml/kg/p.o. either along with drug or followed by inducing hepatotoxicity) by evaluating marker enzymes for liver function like aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and glutamic transpeptidase. They also measured oxidative stress markers like lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, super oxide dismutase and catalase and protein profile likes total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, total albumin and total protein. Hepatotoxicity was confirmed with the help of histopathological study. 

Methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity was typified by remarkable rise in marker enzymes for liver function and oxidative stress. Moreover, significant decrease in protein profile was reported. It was observed that administration of PHF either along with methotrexate or followed by inducing hepatotoxicity ameliorated the level of marker enzymes for liver function and oxidative stress and reduced proteins profile.

Thus, it can be concluded that PHF has a protective role in drug induced hepatotoxicity and can be successfully used to treat the hepatotoxicity with long-term clinically useful drugs.

Source: Vaghasiya J, Bhalodia Y, Rathod S. Drug Induced Hepatotoxicity: Effect of Polyherbal Formulation. Phcog Mag. 2009;5:232-7.