HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF MERREMIA BORNEENSIS AGAINST CARBON TETRACHLORIDE (CCl4)-INDUCED ACUTE LIVER DAMAGE IN RATS: A BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EVALUATION

Abstract

Objective: The pathogenesis of various liver injuries involves oxidative damage. This research was planned to examine the effects of Mereemia borneensis extract on hepatic oxidative damage caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats.
 Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to M. borneensis (125 and 250 mg/kg b. wt.) once daily for 14 d followed by two doses of CCl4 (1.2 ml/kg b. wt.). After 2 w, the rats were sacrificed and hepatoprotective analysis was done.
 Results: Orally administration of CCl4 enhances serum transaminase (ALT; alanine transaminase and AST; aspartate transaminase), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, lipid peroxidation, reduction in glutathione, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, quinone reductase and glutathione S-transferase. Pretreatment of rats with M. borneensis at 125 and 250 mg/kg body weight significantly reduced levels of ALT, AST, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and lipid peroxidation of CCl4 treated rats. Pretreatment with M. borneensis against rats treated with CCl4, hepatic enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules have increased significantly. A decreased histopathological change in the liver is further evidence of the protective effect of M. borneensis.
 Conclusion: Our data suggest that M. borneensis can be a potential hepatoprotective agent in preventing or treating degenerative diseases that involve oxidative stress.