European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EVALUATION OF THE ACTIVITY OF OLAX SCANDENS

Mukul Namdev, Vinod Dhote*, Kanika Dhote

ABSTRACT

The hepatoprotective properties of Olax scandens, a medicinal plant traditionally used for various ailments. Liver disease is a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality, and conventional treatments often carry toxic side effects. This has led to a growing interest in herbal medicines as alternative therapies. This study focuses on the phytochemical profile and the hepatoprotective efficacy of an ethanolic extract of Olax scandens leaves against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in Wistar albino rats. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and diterpenes. In the animal model, the extract demonstrated a dose-dependent hepatoprotective effect, significantly reducing elevated levels of liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The findings support the traditional use of Olax scandens and suggest that its therapeutic activity may be linked to its rich phytochemical composition.

Keywords: Olax scandens, phytochemical screening, liver toxicity, Hepatoprotective, alanine aminotransferase.