Abstract
Micronised purified flavonoid fraction is a phlebotonic drug that is widely used in lower limb oedema due to chronic venous or lymphatic insufficiency. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of micronised purified flavonoid fraction (Daflon®) on hepatic injury caused by the administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Micronised purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF: 2.25, 4.5 or 9 mg/kg), silymarin (25 mg/kg) or MPFF (2.25, 4.5 or 9 mg/kg) combined with silymarin was given once daily orally simultaneously with CCl4 and for 1 week thereafter. Liver damage was assessed by determining serum enzyme activities and hepatic histopathology and morphometry as well as by measuring the optical density of total alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity. Micronised purified flavonoid fraction given at the above doses conferred significant protection against the hepatotoxic actions of CCl4 in rats, reducing serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels by 25.7, 43.1, and 75.6 %, respectively, compared to CCl4 control group. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels decreased by 16.8, 35.6 and 62.9 %, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased by 17.9, 21 and 64.7 % by MPFF at 2.25, 4.5 and 9 mg/kg, respectively. In rats treated with MPFF–silymarin combination, ALT decreased by 27.5, 51.6, and 74.1 %, AST decreased by 38.4, 45.6, and 74.5 %, while ALP deceased by 44.3, 60.0, and 74.4 %. On the other hand, the administration of silymarin alone reduced ALT, AST and ALP levels by 78.9, 80.4 and 62.7 %, respectively. Histopathological studies also indicated that MPFF decreased the area of damage and improved hepatic architecture in CCl4-treated rats. In addition, MPFF markedly improved the optical density of total alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity. These results suggest that treatment with MPFF protects against CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats and might find utility in treating chronic liver disease in man.
Published Version
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