Cypermethrin (CYP), a synthetic pyrethroid, is recognized for its insecticidal properties but poses potential risks of hepatotoxicity. In traditional medicine, Ficus (F.) carica (common fig) leaves have historically been used for various therapeutic applications. This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of F. carica leaves against CYP-induced liver damage in adult male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). The animals (n=30), 8-12 weeks old and weighing 200-250 g, were randomly divided into five experimental groups (n=6) and treated as follows: the negative control group received distilled water; the CYP-Only group was exposed to 4.74 mg/kg BW for 45 days; the CYP+post-treatment group received the same CYP dosage followed by F. carica methanolic leaf extract at 500 mg/kg BW orally for two weeks; the pre-treatment+CYP group received F. carica methanolic leaf extract at 500 mg/kg BW orally for two weeks followed by CYP exposure for 45 days; and the F. carica extract-Only group was administered the methanolic leaf extract at 500 mg/kg BW orally for two weeks. At the end of the experiment, serum and liver samples were analyzed for biochemical and histopathological changes. CYP-Only exposed group showed significantly increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and caspase-3 levels (P<0.05). Histopathological examination in group exposed CYP only revealed liver damages as evidenced by central vein congestion, scattered perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration, prominence of Kupffer cells, nuclear pyknosis, and severe hepatocytic necrosis. Treatment with F. carica leaf extract, either before or after CYP exposure, as well as solely with F. carica leaf extract, ameliorated both the biochemical and histological indices of liver damage. The findings suggest that the methanolic extract of F. carica leaves provides promising hepatoprotective effects against CYP-induced liver damage in albino rats, likely via its antioxidative properties.
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