Hepatoprotective effects of emodin from Ventilago leiocarpa.

A major component of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and chloroform (CHCl3) fractions of Ventilago leiocarpa Bunge (Rhamnaceae), emodin, was isolated and exhibited hepatoprotective effects on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) as well as D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced liver damage. The histopathological examination also clearly showed that emodin reduced lymphocyte cells, Kupffer cells, ballooning degeneration, cell necrosis and hyaline degeneration on CCl4 and D-galactosamine-induced tests.