Abstract: In this study,the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Selaginella involventis aqueous extract was evaluated using carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)induced hepatic damaged mice model.KM mice was randomly divided into 6 groups (n=8),including normal,CCl₄ model,Silymarin control groups and three different dosages (400,200,100 mg/kg) of S.involventis aqueous extract in experimental groups.After oral gavage for 9 days with drug,KM mice were treated with CCl₄ (2 mL/kg) by oral gavage,except for normal group.The results showed that administration of S.involventis aqueous extracts significantly reduced the level of SGOT,SGPT,ALP,Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH),cholesterol and bilirubin when compared to that of hepatotoxin treated mice.More importantly,histopathological data showed that S.involventis aqueous extracts reduced the fatty contents,focal necrosis,congestion in central vein and congestion in sinusoidal spaces in CCl₄-induced hepatic mice.In addition,the in vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated that the IC₅₀ values of T-AOC, LPO,T-SOD and NO radical scavenging activities were increased when compared with the level of vitamin C.All these experimental results suggested that S.involventis aqueous extract may protect hepatic activity through antioxidant activities in CCl₄-induced mice.

Key words: Selaginella involventis, carbon tetrachloride, hepatic damage, antioxidant activity