An Optimized Herbal Formula Reverses the Hepatotoxicity Induced by Acetaminophen

Abstract

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objectives: </strong>In this present study the hepatoprotective effect of an optimized herbal formula (HF) was appraised against paracetamol induced liver damage in rats. <strong>Methods: </strong><em>In vitro </em>antioxidant activity of the HF was evaluated by ABTS radical scavenging assay. The hepatoprotective activity of HF (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w) was assessed against paracetamol induced liver damage in rats. Serum enzymatic levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Gamma-glutamyltransferase (&gamma;-GT) were appraised along with estimation of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH) and TBARS levels in liver tissues. Lipid profile was also examined. Furthermore, histopathological examination of the liver sections was performed to approve and advocate the induction of hepatotoxicity as well as hepatoprotective effectiveness.<strong> Results:</strong> The HF showed robust <em>in vitro</em> antioxidant activities in terms of ABTS radical scavenging. HF reinstated the significantly raised serum enzymatic levels of AST, ALT, ALP and &gamma;-GT in a dose dependent manner. The lipid profile was also found to be stabilized. The histopathological remarks did further establish the biochemical indications of hepatoprotection. Elevated level of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH) and reduced TBARS levels in liver tissues further reinforce the hepatoprotective actions. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The outcomes evidently unveil the antioxidant efficacy and hepatoprotective activity of HF against paracetamol induced liver damage in rats. <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key words:</strong> Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, Herbal formula, Paracetamol, Silymarin.