INTRODUCTION {#sec1-1}
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Liver is the largest organ in the human body. It performs more than 500 metabolic functions. Synthesis, storage, transformation, and clearance of various chemical compounds and their metabolites are important metabolic functions performed by liver that also make it highly susceptible to injury caused by any of them. It produces a substance called bile that is excreted outside body through intestinal tract. Bile carries various toxic substances produced in the metabolism that needs to be timely removed out of the body. Hence, any damage to the liver cells hampers formation of bile and removal of such toxic substances through it. Their accumulation ultimately leads to further damage to the liver and whole body.\[[@ref1]\]

Hepatotoxicants are chemicals that cause liver cell injury. These could be industrial chemicals, natural chemicals, overdose of certain medicinal drugs, and dietary supplements or even pesticides. Some drugs may cause liver damage even when used within therapeutic range.\[[@ref2]\] Hepatotoxic response is expressed in the characteristic form of cell death in specific zones of acinar regions in liver. Liver injury in hepatotoxicity may include patterns such as zonal necrosis, hepatitis, cholestasis, steatosis, granuloma, vascular lesions, neoplasm and veno-occlusive diseases. These patterns give rise to the manifestation of symptoms such as jaundice, pruritus, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, continuous bleeding, skin rashes, generalized itching, weakness, severe fatigue, dark urine, and light-colored stool.\[[@ref1]\]

The available synthetic drugs to treat liver disorders in this condition may further worsen the liver damage as they too need to get metabolized in previously damaged liver.\[[@ref3]\] This increases the load on liver function and desired action of drug may not be observed. Steroids, vaccines, and antiviral drugs used as therapies for liver pathologies have potential adverse effects, especially if administered chronically or sub-chronically.\[[@ref4]\] Hence, developing pharmacologically effective agents from natural products has become a necessity by virtue of its comparatively low toxicity or fewer side effects. There are few plant-derived drugs in the market which are used in liver disorders.

AHPL/AYTAB/0613 tablet is a polyherbal formulation conceptualized and developed by Ari Healthcare Private Limited as a hepatoprotective agent for the management of jaundice, hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease. It contains *Bhringaraja* - *Eclipta alba* extract (*Asteraceae*), *Guduchi - Tinospora cordifolia* extract (*Menispermaceae*)*, Daruharidra - Berberis aristata* extract (*Berberidaceae*)*, Kakamachi - Solanum nigrum* extract (*Solanaceae*), *Punarnava - Boerhaavia diffusa* extract (*Nyctaginaceae*), *Bhumyamalaki - Phyllanthus niruri* extract (*Euphorbiaceae*)*, Kutaki - Picrorhiza kurroa* extract (*Plantaginaceae*), and *Kalmegh - Andrograhis paniculata* extract (*Acanthaceae*). All ingredients have demonstrated hepatoprotective activities in isolation.

The present study was planned to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of AHPL/AYTAB/0613 in comparison with marketed formulations in three different experimental models, i.e., carbon tetrachloride (CCl~4~)-induced hepatotoxicity, ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity, and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental animals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS {#sec1-2}
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Ethical considerations {#sec2-1}
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The study was conducted at Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune - 411 018. The Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC) had approved the study in the meeting held on 30^th^ December 2014. The protocol no. approved was DYPIPSR/IAEC/14-15/P-02.

Methodology {#sec2-2}
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90 male albino wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were selected for the study. All these rats were divided into seven groups to include in all the three models of hepatoxicity induced with CCl~4~, ethanol and paracetamol. Among the seven groups, Group I animals served as normal control, animals belonging to Group II served as positive control, animals belonging to Group III served as standard I and animals belonging to Group IV served as Standard II. Rest of the groups received different doses (low dose, mid dose, and high dose) of test formulation (AHPL/AYTAB/0613). All the groups were orally administered formulations as given in [Table 1](#T1){ref-type="table"}.

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Dosage of orally administered drugs in various groups in carbon tetrachloride-, ethanol- and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity models

![](PR-9-41-g002)

Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by administering 30% CCl4 (1 ml/kg) orally for 10 days, oral administration of 50% ethanol (2 ml) for 14 days, orally administering paracetamol (2 g/kg body weight) for 10 days period in respective models of hepatotoxicity \[[Table 1](#T1){ref-type="table"}\].

All the animals were weighed before (day 1), during (day 5/7), and after (day 10/14) the drug treatment. After completion of the treatment, animals were anaesthetized under light ether anesthesia. Blood was collected by retro-orbital plexus puncture. Biochemical estimations of various parameters such as total proteins, total bilirubin, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) using serum were assessed. Animals were sacrificed, and liver was removed, weighed and perfused in ice-cold saline solution for histopathology studies.

RESULTS {#sec1-3}
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Effect of various formulations on body weight in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats {#sec2-3}
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The animals from normal control group showed gradual increase in weight over the period of 10 days whereas those intoxicated with CCl~4~ showed significant weight reduction throughout the study period. All other groups, where medication was given along with CCl~4~ significantly improved the body weight of animals which was close to the body weight of animals of normal control group. When compared between the formulation groups, no statistically significant difference was noted \[[Graph 1](#F1){ref-type="fig"}\].

![Effect of various formulations on body weight in rats in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity](PR-9-41-g003){#F1}

Effect of various formulations on body weight in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats {#sec2-4}
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It is evident from the results of the study that the mean body weight of the rats in ethanol group increased significantly over the period of 14 days when compared to animals of normal group. No such significant weight gain was observed in animals of formulation group when compared to ethanol group. When compared between formulation groups no significant difference was observed \[[Graph 2](#F2){ref-type="fig"}\].

![Effect of various formulations on body weight in rats in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity](PR-9-41-g004){#F2}

Effect of various formulations on body weight in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats {#sec2-5}
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It was observed from the results of the study that, the rate of weight gain on day 7 was slower in paracetamol group when compared to normal group. However, no significant difference was observed on day 14. All the formulation groups showed significant increase in mean body weight when compared to paracetamol and normal group on 7^th^ day of treatment. No significant difference was observed on 14^th^ day of treatment. All the formulations were able to maintain normal body weight \[[Graph 3](#F3){ref-type="fig"}\].

![Effect of various formulations on body weight in rats in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity](PR-9-41-g005){#F3}

Effect of various formulations on liver weight in various hepatotoxicity models {#sec2-6}
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All the animals in groups treated with CCl~4~, ethanol, and paracetamol showed increase in liver weight when compared to that of normal control group in respective studies. This is in line with the fact that CCl~4~, ethanol, and paracetamol give rise to fatty changes in liver that lead to increase in liver weight. Such weight gain was not observed in any of the formulation groups in any model. Moreover, the liver weight in all the formulation groups was close to the normal control group of respective studies, and no statistically significant difference was noted when compared between the formulation groups \[[Table 2](#T2){ref-type="table"}\].

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Effect of test formulations on various parameters in carbon tetrachloride-, ethanol-, and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity models

![](PR-9-41-g006)

Effect of various formulations on serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase in various hepatotoxicity models {#sec2-7}
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CCl~4~, ethanol, and paracetamol being the hepatotoxic agents injure the hepatic cells and cause significant damage to the liver. As a result of this SGPT, SGOT and ALP levels in the groups treated with these hepatotoxic agents were found significantly increased when compared to normal control group in respective studies \[[Table 2](#T2){ref-type="table"}\].

All the formulations in all three studies successfully reduced SGPT, SGOT, and ALP levels when compared to CCl~4~, ethanol, and paracetamol groups in respective study. When compared between the formulation groups, no significant difference was visible.

Effect of various formulations on total bilirubin in various hepatotoxicity models {#sec2-8}
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Total bilirubin level was increased to 4.42±0.13 g/dl in CCl~4~ group. This four-fold increase compared to normal control group indicates significant liver damage due to CCl~4~. Similarly, total bilirubin was increased to 5.32 ± 0.07 g/dl in ethanol group and 5.46±0.006 g/dl in paracetamol group when compared to normal group indicating five-fold increase than normal limits. This indicated impairment in liver function by CCl~4~, ethanol, and paracetamol \[[Table 2](#T2){ref-type="table"}\].

It is evident from the results that none of the formulation groups increased the bilirubin level. In fact, all the formulation groups were successful in reducing the total bilirubin level close to the normal. Comparison between the formulation groups shows no statistically significant difference.

Effect of various formulations on total protein in various hepatotoxicity models {#sec2-9}
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Damage to the liver cells results in impairment in liver's function of protein synthesis. The same is indicated by the results of the study, wherein total protein level in CCl~4~, ethanol, and paracetamol groups is reduced to almost half of that in normal control groups. However, all the formulation groups in all the studies effectively increased the total protein level which was close to the normal control group. Statistically, there was no significant difference when compared between the groups \[[Table 2](#T2){ref-type="table"}\].

Effect of various formulations on histopathological parameters of liver in various hepatotoxicity models {#sec2-10}
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In the histopathological examination of the liver tissue, normal control group showed normal cellular architecture with distinct hepatic cells, sinusoidal spaces, and central vein. There were no signs of inflammation and fibrosis. Blood vessels were normal with no signs of hemorrhage. Whereas CCl~4~-, ethanol-, and paracetamol-treated liver tissues showed signs of toxicity such as necrotic cells, inflammation, hemorrhage, and even fibrosis or fatty changes. Blood vessels appeared normal in CCl~4~ group and congested in ethanol and paracetamol group.

In a group treated with silymarin, these signs of toxicity such as necrosis, inflammation, hemorrhage, and fibrosis were not demonstrated. However, fatty changes were found.

In the group of marketed formulation, all these signs of toxicity were absent, the tissue showed normal architecture, but fatty changes were noted like that of silymarin. Occasional inflammatory signs in this group were observed in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity model.

In CCl~4~-induced hepatotoxicity, all the groups of AHPL/AYTAB/0613 formulation, i.e., low, medium and high dose, no signs of toxicity were found barring congested blood vessels in medium dose group. However, this finding can also be seen in normal control liver tissue, and hence, it could be considered as a nonsignificant finding. Moreover, except the low-dose formulation group, liver tissues of other two groups were devoid of any sort of fatty changes. And therefore, it can be stated that medium- and high-dose formulation groups are better than any other groups when the histopathology of liver tissue is concerned \[[Figure 1](#F4){ref-type="fig"}\].

![Histopathological representation of liver in carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in rat treated with various formulations (H and E stain, ×40) (a) Normal, (b) carbon tetrachloride, (c) silymarin, (d) marketed formulation, (e) formulation low dose, (f) formulation medium dose, (g) formulation high dose](PR-9-41-g007){#F4}

No signs of toxicity were found in any of the groups of AHPL/AYTAB/0613 formulation (i.e low, medium and high dose) in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity model. Fibrotic and fatty changes were also totally absent in all the three groups. Blood vessels in the medium dose group were dilated, which is also a finding with the marketed formulation group. However, this cannot be taken as a very significant finding as there were no hemorrhage and fibrosis \[[Figure 2](#F5){ref-type="fig"}\].

![Histopathological representation of liver in ethanol-induced liver injury in rats treated with various formulations (H and E stain, ×40) (a) Normal, (b) ethanol, (c) silymarin, (d) marketed formulation, (e) formulation low dose, (f) formulation medium dose, (g) formulation high dose](PR-9-41-g008){#F5}

In paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity model, no signs of necrosis were found in any group of AHPL/AYTAB/0613 formulation (i.e. low, medium and high dose). Scanty inflammatory changes were observed in low- and medium-dose groups, however, hemorrhage and fibrosis were absent in both of them. High-dose formulation group displayed signs of hemorrhage and fibrosis, but no inflammatory changes were seen. Blood vessels were congested in low- and high-dose formulation group while normal in medium dose formulation group. Fatty changes were not observed in any of these three formulation groups \[[Figure 3](#F6){ref-type="fig"}\].

![Histopathological representation of liver in paracetamol-induced liver injury in rat treated with various formulations (H and E stain, ×40) (a) Normal, (b) paracetamol, (c) silymarin, (d) marketed formulation, (e) formulation low dose, (f) formulation medium dose, (g) formulation high dose](PR-9-41-g009){#F6}

DISCUSSION {#sec1-4}
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In the modern era, human beings are exposed to multiple chemicals directly or indirectly that may cause injury to liver cells and impair the liver function. Symptoms and clinically significant disease follow only when the damage leads to impairment of liver function.\[[@ref1][@ref5]\] Hepatotoxicity may lead to various diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, sclerosing cholangitis, and Wilson's disease.\[[@ref5]\] Affected individual may land into acute or chronic liver failure due to hepatotoxicity and subsequent liver damage.

Currently, UDCA is the only allopathic drug approved by the US FDA for hepatoprotection or the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Although UDCA is reported to have hepatoprotective activity, its use beyond PBC is unjustified because of observed findings such as liver cell failure, mutagenic effects, hepatitis, ascites, immune suppression, increased association with hepatocellular carcinoma in PBC, and even death. Moreover, there is very narrow range between its therapeutic and toxic dose.\[[@ref6]\]

Liver transplant indicated in end-stage liver disease due to hepatotoxicity also carries potential adverse outcomes. Graft rejection, vascular and biliary complications, sepsis, and short-term survival rates are some of the confounding factors for acceptance of liver transplant.\[[@ref7]\] Besides, its high cost and necessary ultramodern nursing care make it unsuitable option for general population.

Therefore, there is immense need of safer and effective hepatoprotective agents that can prevent the damage and improve the liver functions. In this context, a lot of attention has been focused on use of herbs that can provide hepatoprotective function with minimal side effects and better acceptability. Since thousands of years, various herbs have been used in the Traditional system of medicine such as Ayurveda to treat jaundice and other liver disorders. Many of them possess hepatoprotective activity and beneficial effects in liver disorders. Hence, efforts are being taken to formulate drugs from these herbs to provide safe, cost effective, well tolerated, and potential hepatoprotective agent.

With this background, Ari Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. has conceptualized and developed AHPL/AYTAB/0613 tablet which is a polyherbal formulation of herbs with proven hepatoprotective activity. Therefore, three separate studies were conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of AHPL/AYTAB/0613 in comparison with silymarin and marketed formulation in CCl~4~, ethanol, and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity models in rats. Silymarin is a well-recognized hepatoprotective agent known to neutralize the toxic effects produced by CCl~4~, acetaminophen, ethanol, and galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity models in rats.\[[@ref8]\] The activity of AHPL/AYTAB/0613 tablet was studied in three doses - high, medium, and low. All these formulations were compared with each other and with normal control and positive control.

All the three groups of test formulation significantly reduced the serum level of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, and total bilirubin in all three studies. Formulation groups also significantly improved total protein levels in all the studies.

The overall body weight of rats in formulation groups was increased while the liver weight was significantly reduced by all the formulation groups in CCl~4~, ethanol, and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity models in rats. This indicates the prevention of hepatotoxicity-related fatty changes in liver and improvement in liver function which leads to overall enhancement in metabolism and health by all the formulation groups.

When the liver tissues from all the groups were subjected to histopathological examination, it was observed that liver tissues of normal control group showed normal cellular architecture with distinct hepatic cells, sinusoidal spaces, and central vein. Whereas CCl~4~, ethanol and paracetamol-treated liver tissues showed signs of toxicity as necrotic cells, inflammation, hemorrhage, fibrosis, and even fatty changes. In standard control and in the group of marketed formulation, these signs of toxicity were not demonstrated; the tissues showed normal architecture, but fatty changes were noted in Silymarin group.

In all the groups of AHPL/AYTAB/0613 formulation, i.e., low, medium and high dose, successfully preserved the normal cellular architecture of liver and prevented the cellular damage caused by CCl~4~, ethanol, and paracetamol. Therefore, from the results, we could conclude that all the formulations have been successful in preventing the pathological changes generated by CCl~4~, ethanol, and paracetamol.

All the above findings suggest that high, medium, and low-dose formulation groups show significant hepatoprotective activity in terms of reduction in serum levels of liver enzymes such as SGOT, SGPT, and ALP that are usually released in response to the damage to hepatic parenchyma. Lowering of total bilirubin indicates improvement in liver function. All these effects are highly significant in CCl~4~, ethanol, and paracetamol groups, establishing its hepatoprotective activity.

AHPL/AYTAB/0613 tablet contains, Bhringaraja extract -- E. *alba* (*Asteraceae*), *Guduchi* extract -- *T. cordifolia* (Menispermaceae), Daruharidra extract -- *B. aristata* (*Berberidaceae*), *Kakamachi* extract -- *S. nigrum* (*Solanaceae*), *Punarnava* extract - *B. diffusa* (*Nyctaginaceae*), *Bhumyamalaki* extract - *P. niruri* (*Euphorbiaceae*), *Kutaki* extract - *P. Kurroa* (*Plantaginaceae*) and *Kalamegha* extract -- *A. paniculata* (*Acanthaceae*).

In Ayurveda, *Bhringaraja* (*E. alba)* is used in the treatment of various liver disorders. It aids in digestion and improves the liver function. It is also a rejuvenator drug.\[[@ref9]\] In preclinical studies, it is reported to improve liver function of experimental animals suggested by reduction in serum transaminases levels.\[[@ref10]\] The role of *E. alba* as an effective hepatoprotective agent has also been reported by various studies conducted on experimental models of CCl~4~, ethanol, and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity as evidenced by the regulation of levels of hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes.\[[@ref11][@ref12][@ref13]\]

Since thousands of years in the Indian system of medicine, *Guduchi* has been used as rejuvenator and tonic. The drug is well known Indian bitter and prescribed in fever, jaundice, dyspepsia, skin disease, diabetes, and urinary problems.\[[@ref14]\] The stem of *Guduchi* also stimulates bile secretion, allays thirst, burning sensation, vomiting, enriches the blood and cures jaundice.\[[@ref15]\]

In various research studies conducted in experimental animals, it has been observed that oral administration of *T. cordifolia* significantly reduces the serum SGPT, SGOT, ALP and billirubin levels while treating the liver toxicity. In a research study, *T. cordifolia* improved the Kupffer cell function in a model of chronic liver disease.\[[@ref16]\] The hepatoprotective action of *Tinospora* was reported in one of the experiment, in which goats treated with *T. cordifolia* have shown significant clinical and hepato-biochemical improvement in CCl~4~-induced hepatopathy. Extract of *T. cordifolia* has also exhibited *in vitro* inactivating property against hepatitis B and E surface antigens.\[[@ref17]\] *T. cordifolia* also has significant anti-oxidant properties.\[[@ref17]\]

*Daruharidra* (*B. aristata*) is one such herb used in Ayurveda in the treatment of indigestion, jaundice, and hepatosplenomegaly.\[[@ref18]\] Berberin, an alkaloid from this herb has been extensively studied and known to possess cholagogue, antiprotozoal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities.\[[@ref19]\] Prophylactic dose of berberine in CCl~4~ and acetaminophen induced-liver toxicity decreased serum aminotransferase and ALP levels indicating its hepatoprotective activity. Whereas selective curative role of berberine as post treatment dose in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity is also reported in the study.\[[@ref19]\]

*Kakamachi* (*S. nigrum*) is one of the important rejuvenator drugs used in Ayurvedic system of medicine. Its role is widely accepted in the treatment of chronic hepatomegaly, ascites, hematemesis (due to liver cirrhosis), and various other liver diseases.\[[@ref20]\] Results of one experimental study show that extract of *S. nigrum* possesses hepatoprotective activity in CCl~4~-induced oxidative damage in rats manifested by reduction in the serum levels of hepatic enzymes and prevention of histopathological damage induced by CCl~4~. This could be contributed to its anti-oxidant, free radical scavenging, and modulation of detoxification enzyme effects.\[[@ref21]\] *S. nigrum* has demonstrated hepatoprotective effects against ethanol-induced injury both *in vitro* and *in vivo* and can protect the integrity of hepatocytes and thus reduce the release of liver glutathione S-transferase (GST) A1, which contributes to improve liver detoxification.\[[@ref22]\]

In traditional Ayurvedic system, *Punarnava* (*B. diffusa*) has been used as rejuvenator (*Rasayana*).\[[@ref23][@ref24]\] In all over the world, the roots of *B. diffusa* have been widely used for the treatment of dyspepsia, jaundice, enlargement of spleen, and abdominal pain.\[[@ref25]\] In a research study, it has been observed that an aqueous extract of thinner roots of *B. diffusa* at a dose of 2 mg/kg exhibited the remarkable protection of various enzymes such as SGOT, SGPT, and bilirubin in serum against hepatic injury in rats.\[[@ref24]\] Many other experimental studies also evidenced a beneficial activity of the *Punarnava* root for the treatment of the jaundice.\[[@ref24]\] The *B. diffusa* also has adaptogenic and anti-oxidant properties.\[[@ref24]\]

In Ayurveda, *Kutaki* (*P. kurroa*) is used to treat indigestion, disorders of the liver, upper respiratory tract infections, and fever.\[[@ref26][@ref27]\] The plant has also been used to cure heart ailments, abdominal pain, stomach disorders, anemia, jaundice, and for promoting bile secretion.\[[@ref28]\]

The oral administration of extract of dried rhizomes and roots of Kutaki is claimed as a cure for human viral hepatitis.\[[@ref28]\] In a research study conducted in experimental rats, it has been observed that oral administration of *P. kurroa* decreases the oxidative stress and acts as membrane-stabilizing agent in antitubercular drugs (isoniazid and rifampicin)-induced hepatitis.\[[@ref29]\] The oral administration of *P. kurroa* enhances the activities of glutathione (GSH), GSH-dependent antioxidant enzymes (GSH peroxidase and GST), and antiperoxidative enzymes during oxidative stress. *P. kurroa* also prevents hepatotoxicity by its membrane-stabilizing and antioxidant properties.\[[@ref28]\]

*Kalamegha* (*A. paniculata*) is commonly known as "king of bitters," "*Bhui-neem*." It has strong bitter taste and has been used as tonic in weakness and poisoning.\[[@ref30]\] *A. paniculata* is extensively used as a hepato-stimulant and hepatoprotective agent in the Indian systems of medicine.\[[@ref31]\]

*A. paniculata* also showed benefits against liver damage caused by agents with different hepatotoxic mechanisms, suggesting *A. paniculata* might have broad-spectrum hepatoprotective effects.\[[@ref30]\] Andrographolide is an active constituent of *A. paniculata* and a single-oral dose of andrographolide has protective effect on CCl~4~-induced hepatic microsomal lipid peroxidation. In several clinical studies, it has been observed that *A. paniculata* has protective effects against ethanol-induced increase in serum transaminases.\[[@ref30]\] In a preclinical study, it has been observed that *Andrographolide*, a major bioactive compound of *A. paniculata* is found to be more antihepatotoxic against drug (paracetamol)-induced liver damage in rats.\[[@ref31]\]

*Bhumyamalaki* (*P. niruri*) is widely used in the treatment of hepatitis, hepatosplenomegaly, fever and various liver diseases in Ayurveda.\[[@ref32]\] Studies have proved its hepatoprotective activity in CCl~4~-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats manifested by reduction in serum level of SGOT, SGPT, and ALP. Its antioxidant potential has also been validated in the study.\[[@ref33]\]

It is obvious from the above discussion that all the ingredients of AHPL/AYTAB/0613 tablet possess hepatoprotective activity individually; the hepatoprotective activity exhibited by this combination could be considered to be the synergistic effect of all the constituents.

CONCLUSION {#sec1-5}
==========

It can be concluded from the results of the present study that AHPL/AYTAB/0613 tablet possesses hepatoprotective activity in high, medium and low doses in CCl~4~, ethanol and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. No signs and symptoms of toxicity in any group were observed, and all the formulations tested were well tolerated by the rats. Although high- and low-dose formulations are also effective as hepatoprotective agents, medium dose formulation of AHPL/AYTAB/0613 is recommended for potent hepatoprotective effect in humans.

Financial support and sponsorship {#sec2-11}
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This study was financially supported by Mr. Sanjeevan Kanjilal (Managing Director) and Dr. Anisha Kanjilal (Director) - Ari Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Pune.

Conflicts of interest {#sec2-12}
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There are no conflicts of interest.

Authors sincerely thank all trial site staff at Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pune - 411 018 for their contribution in conduct of the present study. Authors are extremely grateful to Mr. Sanjeevan Kanjilal (Managing Director) and Dr. Anisha Kanjilal (Director) of Ari Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., for providing all the research facilities, guidance, courage, and moral support.
