Influence of combination of docosahexaenoic acid supplement and a polyherbal formulation (Liv. 52) on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury: A preclinical study

Abstract

Background: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has diverse functions in normal metabolism and health and are widely used as a nutritional supplement. Liv. 52 is a polyherbal formulation used in hepatic dysfunction. The present study was undertaken to investigate the influence of oral supplementation of Liv. 52 and DHA alone and their combination against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic injury in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced by administering 1:1 mixture of CCl4and olive oil; 1 ml/kg/72 h i.p. A total of 54 adult female Wistar (150–200 g) rats were divided into nine groups of six rats each as follows-Group 1-Normal healthy control (1 ml/kg/day of 2% gum acacia), Group 2: Negative control (CCl4 +1 ml/kg/day of 2% gum acacia), Group 3: Positive control (CCl4+ Silymarin 50 mg/kg/day), Group 4-9: CCl4+ Liv. 52–225 mg/kg/day, 450 mg/kg/day, DHA-300 mg/kg/day, 600 mg/kg/day alone and their combination. The treatment duration was 7 days. Hepatoprotective potential was studied by the estimation of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in experimental rats. Results: Serum ALT, AST, and ALP were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in hepatotoxic control rats compared to normal healthy control rats. There was statistically significant change (P < 0.05) in serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP among Silymarin, Liv. 52 and DHA treated rats in comparison to hepatotoxic control rats.Conclusions: The present study revealed that Liv. 52 and DHA alone and in combination ameliorates the hepatic injury induced by CCl4in Wistar rats.