Background: Paeonia officinalis, commonly known as European peony (family: Paeoniaceae) is native to south-eastern Europe and has been introduced widely elsewhere (including Kashmir) as a garden plant. Roots of P. officinalis have been reported to possess abortifacient, anti- hypertensive, and antiulcer activity. It has been used in traditional Unani, homeopathic, and Chinese systems of medicine for curing liver disorders such as bladder stones and jaundice, besides being used in treating stomach ache, diarrhea, labor pains, nightmares, epilepsy, and lunacy.

Purpose: The present study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of the 70% ethanolic extract of the roots of P. officinalis. Methods: In the present study, the efficacy of a 70% ethanolic extract of the roots of P. officinalis was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic damage in rats. P. officinalis, at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, was administered orally once daily for 14 days. Results: CCl4 produced a significant increase in the serum levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin in rats, while a decrease in total protein levels was observed. In rats that had received extracts of P. officinalis along with CCl4, substantially elevated levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin were lowered significantly in a dose-dependent manner, while total protein levels were elevated. Histopathology revealed regeneration of the liver in extract-treated groups while silymarin-treated rats were almost normal.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that roots of P. officinalis possess hepatoprotective activity.