Wheatgrass and Antioxidant Levels in Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

© 2011, INASL 43 Wheatgrass and Antioxidant Levels in Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats JK Kamboj*, SV Rana*, RP Ola*, DK Dhawan**, K Vahiphei*** Departments of Gastroenterology and ***Pathology, PGIMER, Chandigarh Background: Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum), rich in various antioxidants, is known to treat a number of conditions including burns, common cold, anemia, cough, fever and eczema, etc. Aim: Therefore, this study was planned to determine the effect of wheatgrass on antioxidant levels and oxidative stress induced by CCl4 in hepatic tissue of rats. Materials and Methods: Eighteen Wistar rats with body weight of 120–150 gms were divided into 3 groups. Group 1—rats in this group were given normal saline injection subcutaneously twice a week for 4 weeks. Group 2—carbon tetrachloride was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 2 mL/Kg body weight twice a week for 4 weeks in this group. Group 3—wheatgrass was administered orally at 80 mg/100 g body weight in drinking water for 4 weeks along with CCl4 injection given subcutaneously twice a week at a dose of 2 mL/Kg body weight wheatgrass dose was started 2 weeks prior to first injection of CCl4. Reduced glutathione (GSH) was measured in liver tissue for antioxidant levels and lipid peroxidation (LPO) for oxidative stress. Results: GSH level was significantly decreased while LPO increased in hepatic tissue of group 2 (CCl4 treated rats) as compared to group 1 (controls). In group 3 (CCl4 + wheatgrass treated rats), GSH level was increased while LPO decreased as compare to group 2. Conclusion: This study shows that wheatgrass treatment decreased the oxidative stress and increased the antioxidant levels in CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. Conflict of Interest: None Comparative Hepatoprotective Activity of Polygonum Bistorta Extract and Its Active Compound Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats DK Mittal School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India Aim: Many herbal preparations have been recommended in alternative system of medicine for the treatment of hepatic disorder. Druginduced hepatotoxicity is still a significant unresolved clinical problem as liver is the most common site of damage. Present findings is based on the protective effect of PB extract and TA against acute and sub chronic APAP and CCl4 intoxication. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley strain rats (150 ± 10 g body weight) were administered a single bolus dose of APAP (2 g/Kg, p.o.) and CCl4 (0.15 mL/Kg, i.p.). Plant extract (Polygonum bistorta) and its active principle (tannic acid) was given at the dose of 100 mg/Kg and 25 mg/Kg, respectively (p.o.) after 24 hours of toxicant administration. Results: The effect of PB, TA and silymarin on AST, ALT, SALP, Blood sugar, Protein, Albumin, Bilirubin, Urea, Creatinine were observed against APAP toxicity. Further, the effects of the PB and TA was confirmed on LPO, GSH, ATPase, SOD, GR, GPx, G6PDH, GST, AH, AND were estimated against CCl4 intoxication. Conclusions: TA produced significant hepatoprotective effect by decreasing the activities of above biochemical indices followed by PB extract. Histopathological and ultrastructural observations and in vitro study by MTT assay supported above findings. Conflict of Interest: None 03_JCEH-Abstract.indd 43 3/18/2011 11:13:05 AM