Amaranthus hybridus Linn. leaf extract ameliorates oxidative stress and hepatic damage abnormalities induced by thioacetamide in rats

Abstract

A hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Amaranthus hybridus (HLEAH) at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg was investigated for its antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects on thioacetamide (TAA)- induced hepatic damage in rats. Liver damage was induced by administering TAA (300 mg/L) in drinking water for 10 weeks. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and ascorbic acid contents were 14.12±0.01 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE), 3.39±0.02 mg quercetin equivalents (QE), and 2.86±0.01 mg/100 mg, respectively. Amino acid profiles showed the presence of sixteen amino acids. HLEAH exhibited a potent and dose-dependent antioxidant capacity in vitro, probably reflecting its rich content of antioxidant compounds. HLEAH ameliorated the TAA-induced elevation of rat liver enzyme markers and increases in total protein. It also increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, but decreased the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers. Histopathological studies suggested an alleviation of tissue fibrosis and prevention of progression to cirrhosis. GC–MS profiling of HLEAH showed six compounds, with 5,7-dihydroxyl flavone, N‑hydroxyl benzene sulfonamide, and benzene sulfonyl chloride as predominant components. These data indicate that Amaranthus hybridus has a beneficial effect against hepatic abnormalities caused by TAA. This effect is attributed to the plant's nutritional components and potent antioxidative capacity, thereby validating its traditional use in liver disease management.