Hepatoprotective Role of Virgin Coconut Oil and Neem Extract in Acetaminophen Induced Liver Toxicity

Abstract

Aim: To study the comparative hepatoprotective effect of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract in acetaminophen (Paracetamol) induced liver toxicity. Methods: About 60 mixed population of rats (male/female) of Wistar and Sprague-Dawley species were randomly selected for the proposed study and are segregated into four equal groups. Every group contains 15 animal subjects. Group A was the control group given normal diet. In Group B, the rats were treated with a single dose of 2gm / kg body weight paracetamol, orally. Simultaneously, Group C were given an oral Neem extract of 500mg/kg body weight for 2 weeks days in combination with single dose of Paracetamol, while Group D were provided with 6.7ml/Kg/body weight Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) for 15 days. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 20.0 with level of significance being kept at p-value ≤0.05. Results: The mean values of ALT were 23.1, 100.5, 29.85, and 31.09 U/L in Group A, B, C, and D respectively. While, the mean values of AST were 25.6 U/L (Group A), 41 U/L (Group B), 19.3 U/L (Group C), and 15.2 U/L (Group D). The ALP showed maximum response indicated by the mean values of 221 U/L, 444 U/L, 241 U/L, and 243 U/L in Group A, B, C, and D respectively. Group B suggested the paracetamol induced liver toxicity indicated by the increase in hepatic DMEs right after the acetaminophen induction. Conclusion: Azadirachta Indica and Virgin Coconut Oil displayed hepatoprotective effects on the Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats that were subjected to Paracetamol. Keywords: hepatic, Drug Metabolizing enzymes, Acetaminophen, Virgin coconut oil, Neem extract, Paracetamol, Wistar