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Andrographolide from the herb Andrographis paniculata (whole plant) per se produces a significant dose (1.5-12 mg/kg) dependent choleretic effect (4.8-73%) as evidenced by increase in bile flow, bile salt, and bile acids in conscious rats and anaesthetized guinea pigs. The paracetamol induced decrease in volume and contents of bile was prevented significantly by andrographolide pretreatment. It was found to be more potent than silymarin, a clinically used hepatoprotective agent.

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No abstract

Picroliv, the hepatoprotective principle of the plant Picrorhiza kurroa, showed a dose-dependent (1.5-12 mg/kg x 7) choleretic effect in conscious rats and anaesthetised guinea pigs. It also possessed a marked anticholestatic effect against paracetamol- and ethynylestradiol-induced cholestasis. It antagonised the changes in bile volume as well as the contents (bile salts and bile acids). Silymarin, a known hepatoprotective agent, was tested simultaneously for comparison. Picroliv was found to be a more potent choleretic and anticholestatic agent than silymarin.