Evaluation of prophylactic and therapeutic effects of silymarin on acute toxicity due to tetracycline severe overdose in cats: a preliminary study

Abstract

Summary The aim of the present study was to determine the protective action of silymarin on acute toxicity due to tetracycline severe overdose in cats. Thirty healthy cats were randomly allotted into five equal groups. Cats in group A were given tetracycline (single dose 120 mg⁄kg, p.o.); group B consisted of cats that received silymarin (single dose 30 mg⁄kg, p.o.) concurrent with tetracycline administration; groups C, D and E were treated as group B, but silymarin was administered 4, 12 and 24 h after tetracycline administration, respectively. The serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), BUN, serum creatinine and total and direct bilirubin were measured before tetracycline administration and 4, 12, 24 and 72 h later. A single oral administration of tetracycline increased, significantly, serum concentrations of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH in all cats of group A, after 24 h (P 0.05). In group E, levels of serum enzyme activities were significantly higher than normal values (P<0.05). The difference was significant between groups A and E with groups B and C for the serum enzymes (P<0.05). In conclusion, silymarin can protect liver tissue against hepatotoxicity in cats with tetracycline severe overdose, particularly in the first 4 h after exposure.