Protective Effect of Hesperidin (HDN) on Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-Induced Hepatic Toxicity in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of an antioxidant (Hesperidine) on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic toxicity. This effect was evaluated through assessment of liver functions as well as histopathological changes in livers of rats exposed to Hesperidine prior to carbon tetrachloride.Thirty two male albino rats were distributed to four equal groups each of 8 rats. Group I (Negative control). Group II (Positive control grou: received vehicle (Carboxymethyl Cellulose) for 10 days and were challenged with CCl4 2 ml/kg/SC (40% v/v in olive oil) on 8th day. Group III (HDN: 100 mg/kg): rats received HDN continuously for 8 days. On 8th day, they received CCl4 2ml/kg/SC in olive oil. HDN was further continued for 2 more days. Group IV (HDN: 200 mg/kg): rats received HDN continuously for 8 days. On 8th day, they received CCl4 2ml/kg/SC in olive oil. HDN was further continued for 2 more days. After ten days of treatment, liver enzymes, oxidant parameters as malondialdehyde and antioxidant parameters as glutathione and superoxide dismutasewere assessed. Histopathological examination of the liver tissues was conducted.Hesperidine in the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg produced a significant decrease in the levels of liver enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and oxidant parameters as malondialdehyde. Antioxidant parameters as glutathione and superoxide dismutase also have shown significant increase. These findings were confirmed by histopathology.Hesperidine in a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg offers dose-dependent significant protection against hepatotoxicity produced by CCl4 in albino rats.