Protective Role of Centella asiatica Extract Against Carbon Tetrachloride–Induced Hepatic Damage: A Biochemical and Ultrasonographic Study

This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Centella asiatica extract on Wistar rats induced with carbon tetrachloride (CCl_₄). The extract is known to contain active compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, and triterpenoids, which contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 70.31 mg GAE/g and 13.49 mg QE/g, respectively, with very strong antioxidant activity (IC_₅₀ = 48.45 ppm). Evaluation through ultrasonography and histopathology revealed structural improvement in the liver of treated groups, particularly at doses of 200 and 300 mg/ kgBW, marked by reduced abnormal echogenicity and improved liver parenchyma, along with a decrease in histopathological score from 2 to 1. The administration of the extract also significantly reduced proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 (P≤0.05), as well as CRP levels, indicating strong anti-inflammatory potential. In addition, liver function showed meaningful recovery, with the highest albumin level recorded at 200 mg/kgBW (3.00 ± 0.52 g/dL), and a significant reduction in bilirubin level at 300 mg/kgBW to 0.102 ± 0.040 mg/dL. Significant decreases were also observed in SGOT and SGPT enzyme levels in the treatment groups, especially at 300 mg/kgBW, indicating protection of hepatocyte integrity. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that Centella asiatica extract possesses hepatoprotective effects through antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and liver function-restorative mechanisms. These findings support the potential development of pegagan as a phytopharmaceutical agent for adjunct therapy in liver disorders and highlight the need for further studies on its active compounds and long-term safety.