The use of medicinal plants has strongly increased by the world population. The objetive of this study is to assess the effects of the aqueous extract of Hyptis pectinata leaves, popularly known as "sambacaitá" or "canudinho", on liver regeneration after 70% partial hepatectomy. Twenty four rats were divided into 4 groups: group OS, submitted to sham operation and oral administration of distilled water during 4 days; group OSD200, also submitted to sham operation and ingestion of 200 mg of extract/Kg of animal for the same period of time; group HP, which underwent 70% hepatectomy after 4 days of distilled water administration; and group HPD200, which underwent 70% hepatectomy after 4 days of oral administration of 200 mg of extract/Kg of animal. Alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and the serum level of aminotransferases were measured and state III of mitochondrial respiratory activity was assessed. Group OSD200, when compared to OS, presented significant decrease of alcaline fosfatase. Group HPD200, when compared to HP, showed statistically significant decrease of AST level and state III respiratory process.
Liver regeneration; Hyptis pectinata; hepatectomy; partial hepatectomy; mitochondrial function
