The antiinflammatory and liver protective effects of Boehmeria nivea and B. nivea subsp. nippononivea in rats.

The pharmacological effects of Boehmeria nivea and B. nivea subsp. nippononivea were studied against carrageenan-induced paw edema, acetaminophen (APAP) and D-galactosamine (D-GalN) induced hepatotoxicity in rats, respectively. Water extracts of B. nivea and B. nivea subsp. nippononivea roots were found to maintain significant antiinflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced edema. Moreover, the water extracts of B. nivea and B. nivea subsp. nippononivea significantly decreased the acute increase in serum GOT and GPT levels caused by APAP and D-GalN-intoxication. The histopathological changes of hepatic lesions caused by these hepatotoxicants were improved by treatment with B. nivea and B. nivea subsp. nippononivea, which were compared with Silymarin as a standard.