Isolation of ani-hepatotoxic principle form the juice of Ecballium elaterium.

The antihepatotoxic activity of elaterium (dried juice of the fruits of Ecballium elaterium, Cucurbitaceae) and cucurbitacin B (isolated from the juice) was studied against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Pre- and posttreatment with elaterium and cucurbitacin B reduced CCl4-hepatotoxicity, as shown reduction in the anormally increased sGPT levels. Posttreatment caused a significant reduction in the degree of steatosis observed inthe control group, treated only with CCl4. In conclusion, elaterium and cucurbitacin B had preventive and curative effects against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.