Protective Role of Hygrophila auriculata Seed Extract Against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatocellular Damage: An In Vitro Study

Hepatic injury induced by xenobiotics is closely associated with oxidative stress–mediated cellular damage. The present study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and hepatoprotective efficacy of the aqueous seed extract of Hygrophila auriculata using a carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced goat liver slice model. Preliminary screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and proteins. Quantitative estimation revealed abundant protein (231 ± 10.06 mg BSAE/g), substantial total phenolics (187 ± 20.29 mg GAE/g), and notable flavonoids (62.09 ± 7.23 mg QE/g). The extract exhibited a concentration-dependent DPPH radical scavenging effect with an IC₅₀ of approximately 72–73 µg/mL, indicating moderate yet significant antioxidant potential. Whereas, CCl₄ exposure (15 mM) markedly elevated SGOT, SGPT, and LDH activities (p < 0.001), reflecting hepatocellular membrane disruption. Post-treatment with the extract (0.02–0.10 mg QE/mL) significantly attenuated enzyme leakage in a dose-responsive manner (p < 0.05 vs. CCl₄). At 0.10 mg QE/mL, enzyme levels declined by 59.9% (SGOT), 47.3% (SGPT), and 31.7% (LDH), with corresponding hepatoprotection values of 71.7%, 62.0%, and 51.0%. The protective effect approached that of quercetin. These findings suggest that the polyphenol-rich seed extract confers hepatoprotection primarily through antioxidant-mediated mechanisms