Liver Toxicity In Rats Research Articles

Protective Role of Lycopene Extracted from Tomato (Tomato pomace) against Gamma Irradiation or Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Brain and Liver Toxicity in Male Albino Rats

Background: Based on the effect of substance possessing antioxidant effect previously reported, it was hypothesized that lycopene extracted from tomato (Tomato pomace), a substance possessing antioxidant activity, might be able to protect against oxidative stress induced by either carbon tetrachloride or gamma radiation. Materials and Methods: A total of 72 experimental male albino rats were randomly divided into equal six groups of twelve rats each. Group 1: served as the control group. Group 2: rats were administrated with (5 gm) tomato extract/kg body weight by gastric lavage tube for 15 days. Group 3: rats were exposed to single dose (10 Gy) whole body gamma irradiation. Group 4: rats were administered with CCl4 only in groundnut oil (1:1) at a dose of 3 ml/kg body weight by single intraperitoneal administration. Group 5: rats were treated with lycopene extract for 15 days before exposure to single dose (10 Gy) whole body gamma irradiation. Group 6: rats were treated with lycopene extract for 15 days before administered with CCl4 for 15 days. Results: showed highly significant increase in activities of alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum, 24 hours after CCl4 administration or radiation exposure. Highly significant decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) content in the brain tissues. Meanwhile, highly significant increase in MDA content in the brain tissues. Supplementation with lycopene before CCl4 intraperitoneal administration or radiation exposure, exerted marked amelioration of CCl4 and ionized radiation induced disturbances in all the investigated parameters. Histopathological evaluation of the tissues also demonstrated a significant decrease in cellular degeneration and infiltration parameters after lycopene administration. Therefore, lycopene could have a beneficial role in modulating oxidative stress by improving the natural antioxidant mechanism. Conclusion: Administration of lycopene by using suitable stomach tube pre-CCl4 intraperitoneal administration or gamma irradiated has significantly ameliorated the disturbances induced in all the investigated parameters.

Costus root aqueous extract modulates rat liver toxicity, DNA damage, injury, proliferation alterations induced by plant growth regulator Ethephon

Ethephon (Ethrel®) is an ethylene-based plant growth regulator that used in agriculture and it has direct and indirect effects on human health, direct effect via its inhalation during usage in agriculture and indirect effect through the diet (Fruits and vegetables) that is sprayed with it. The current study aimed to examine the possible modifying effects of costus (Saussurea lappa) root aqueous extract against Ethephon induced liver toxicity, injury, DNA fragmentation and PCNA alterations in male rats. Fifty adult male rats were divided into 5 groups (1st, control; 2nd, Costus; 3rd, Ethephon; 4th, Post treated Ethephon with costus; 5th, self-healing Ethephon). Current results revealed that; a significant increase in aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), liver injury, DNA damage and PCNA expressions in Ethephon group when compared with control group. In contrast; a significant decrease in albumin and total proteins in Ethephon group when compared with control group. Treatment of rats with costus after Ethephon improved these alterations as compared with Ethephon self-healing. So, it could be concluded that costus root extract worth to be considered as a natural substance for ameliorating the hepatic toxicity induced by plant growth regulator Ethephon.

Degradation of Phospholipids by N, N-Dimethylformamide Induced Liver Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Dimethylformamide (DMF) is an industrially used solvent, prioritized by the National Toxicology Program as a potent hepatotoxic compound. The effect of DMF on liver is well documented; however its impact on hepatic phospholipids remains enigmatic. Hence, to understand the phospholipid metabolism we have developed an animal model for DMF induced hepatotoxicity. In the present study, DMF (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 g/kg body wt) was given intraperitoneally to male wistar rats and terminated after 24 and 48 h. DMF with a concentration of 1.5 g/kg body wt shows maximum toxic effect. Dosages higher than 1.5 g/kg body wt showed lethal effect, hence in this study, 1.5 g/kg body wt was used as maximum concentration. Induction of hepatotoxicity by DMF was confirmed by liver marker enzymes. DMF impairs the liver phospholipid metabolism. DMF decreased the individual phospholipid levels by altering the fatty acid composition. There was an increase in unsaturated fatty acids with a concomitant decrease in saturated fatty acid. These changes in the fatty acid may directly or indirectly affect the membrane structure and fluidity. Understanding the mechanism by which DMF induced hepatotoxicity and alteration in phospholipid metabolism is a worthwhile pursuit.

Protective effect of aged garlic extracts against hepatotoxicity induced by ethephon in Wistar albino rat

The current study was designed to demonstrate the hepatoprotective effect of aged garlic extract (AGE) against ethephon-induced liver toxicity in rats. Sixty male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups as follows: the control group; AGE group was administered with 250mg/kg; the ethephon group was orally given 200mg/kg; and AGE + ethephon group was treated with ethephon for 4weeks and then given AGE for another 4weeks using the same dosage. The ethephon administration impaired the balance between oxidants and antioxidants as evidenced by the increased level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the decreased concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). Biochemical findings showed a significant decrease in the red blood corpuscles (RBCs) count, hemoglobin (Hb) content, and hematocrit (HCT) level, with a significant increase in the white blood cells count. In addition, ethephon produced a significant decrease in levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) with a decrease in albumin level. Furthermore, histological investigation showed dilation of the hepatic central vein and dilation of blood sinusoids which were congested with inflammatory cellular infiltrate. Moreover, examination of the liver using transmission electron microscopy showed a disturbance in the nuclear membranes and degenerating mitochondria with a rise in the cytoplasmic vacuoles by cellular edema. Interestingly, AGE administration was found to attenuate the histological deformations and biochemical alteration produced by ethephon. These findings suggest that AGE supplementation could be used to reverse the hepatic injury following ethephon exposure through its antioxidant capacity.

Hepatoprotective role of berberine against paraquat-induced liver toxicity in rat.

Paraquat (PQ) is a herbicide agent commonly used in agricultural applications. Hepatotoxicity is among clinical complications associated with PQ intoxication. Oxidative stress and its subsequent events are major mechanisms identified in PQ-induced liver toxicity. Berberine (BBR) is a natural antioxidant widely investigated for its hepatoprotective effects. The present study designed to evaluate the potential cytoprotective properties of BBR against PQ-induced cytotoxicity in primary cultured rat hepatocytes and in vivo test of liver function enzymes. Cellular and biochemical parameters including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cell viability, ROS formation, glutathione (GSH) content, and mitochondrial membrane potential in the PQ-treated hepatocytes were measured, and the mentioned markers were evaluated in the presence of BBR. BBR treatment caused significant decrease in PQ-induced cell death, ROS formation, and LDH release. On the other hand, it was found that BBR inhibits cellular glutathione depletion in PQ-treated hepatocytes. Also, BBR treatment significantly diminished PQ-induced the liver function enzyme elevation. These data mention the potential hepatoprotective effect of BBR with therapeutic capability against PQ-induced liver damage.

The Protective Effect of Silymarin on LipopolysaccharideInduced Liver Toxicity in Male Wistar Rat

Background and Aims: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers production of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines. Nowadays Silybum marianum has been shown to treat liver and gall bladder disorders, especially to protect the liver against poisoning from various toxins. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the protective effect of silymarin on LPS-induced liver toxicity in male Wistar rat. Materials and Methods: Totally, 40 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n=10 in each): The animals were treated with silymarin for two weeks before the biochemical tests. Apoptosis was assessed by evaluating the amount of proteins in liver tissues by western blotting. Results: LPS induced hepatotoxicity as evidenced by histopathological damages and biochemical abnormalities. Data showed that malondialdehyde level significantly increases in the liver of LPS-treated rats. Destructive effects of LPS on histopathological and biochemical parameters were improved. LPS also increased expression of Bax/Bcl2 ratio and activation of caspase 3, caspase 8 and caspase 9. Western blot analysis showed silymarin treatment inhibiting apoptosis stimulated by LPS in the liver (p<0.001). Conclusions: The results of this research demonstrated that silymarin can exert protective effects against toxic effects of LPS in rat liver. Antiinflammatory drug can play a protective role in attenuating the liver inflammation induced by LPS injection.

Biochemical Study On the Effect of Morin and Rutin in amelioration of Titanium dioxide Nanoparticle Toxicity in rat liver

Background: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) were healthy well-known as a photocatalyst and it was extensively utilized for photocatalysed corrosion, sensor essentials, water distillation and had numerous other submission. Also, in food industry. However they also had poisonous result on animals uncovered to them. Objectives: we examined the probable ameliorative result for the two flavonoids morin and rutin which had apotent antioxidant activity, against TiO2 nanoparticles-induced toxicities in rat liver. Materials and methods: Albino rats (n =70, weight 150-200g) were divided into seven groups. Group (G1) (control), G2 (treated with morin 30 mg/kg), G3 (treated with rutin 80 mg/kg), G4 (toxic group that administrated orally with titanium dioxide nanoparticles 100 mg/kg), G5 (TiO2 NPs+ morin), G6 (TiO2 NPs+ rutin), G7 (TiO2 NPs+ morin+ rutin). The evaluated parameters included liver function markers, some minerals and electrolytes, antioxidant (superoxide dismutase SOD, catalase CAT and glutathione GSH) and oxidative stress malondialdehyde (MDA) biomarkers in addition to DNA fragmentation and histopathological examination of liver tissues. Results: These experimental study showed that a significant increase of serum ALT, AST, ALP activities. Also, serum potassium (K) and phosphorous (P) levels, hepatic MDA content, comet, tail length, DNA in tail and tail moment of DNA fragmentation were detected in TiO2 NPs (G4) group indicating liver damage which compared with control group (G1) but this parameters decreased significantly in morin (G5) or rutin (G6) when compared with toxic group (G4), in combination group (TiO2 NPs+ morin+ rutin) (G7) succeeded to decrease significantly in this parameters and returns to (G1). Also, our results showed that a significant decrease in total protein, albumin, sodium (Na), calcium (Ca) levels, glutathione (GSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in toxic groups (G4) but succeeded to increase significantly in this parameters in G5, G6 and G7 in compared with control group and restore it. Conclusion: TiO2NPs oral administration induced toxic effects and DNA damage in the liver that may be attributable to oxidative stress.Also, administration of morin and/or rutin with TiO2NPs offers protection against their damaging effect.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Stachys pilifera. Benth on acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity in male rats

BackgroundAcetaminophen (APAP) at high doses causes adverse side effects such as hepatotoxicity. The aim of the current study was to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Stachys pilifera. Benth (SP) on hepatotoxicity induced by APAP in male rats. MethodsAdult male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control (C), APAP (2 g/kg), APAP + SP (500 mg/kg), and APAP + Silymarin (SM, 100 mg/kg) as positive control group. On the seventh day, the rats were sacrificed after taking blood samples. Then levels of biochemical parameters, oxidative stress markers and activity of antioxidant enzymes were measured. ResultsIn the APAP group, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzymes activity was significantly increased and the level of protein carbonyl (PCO) was insignificantly increased as compared to control group. In addition, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and total thiol in the APAP group was significantly decreased compared to the normal rats. Stachys pilifera. Benth extract administration significantly reduced the activity of AST and ALT enzymes and the level of PCO compared to the APAP group, while significantly elevated the activity of GPX enzyme. ConclusionHydroalcoholic extract of SP diminishes hepatotoxicity induced by APAP by reducing the amount of liver function indicators (AST and ALT). Furthermore, the hydroalcoholic extract of SP is capable of reducing oxidative stress through inhibiting protein oxidation as well as boosting the activity of GPX enzyme. In this respect, the hepatoprotective impact induced by the SP extract may possibly be attributable to its reactive oxygen species scavenging and antioxidant properties.

The Effect of Metanolic Extract and Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Kepel Fruits to Lipid Peroxide Concentration in Liver of CCl4-induced Rat

Accumulation lipid peroxidation can lead to the formation of malondialdehyde to generatefree radicals. Antioxidant will minimize free radical related health problems, such as naturalantioxidant from meat of kepel (Stelechocarpus burahol) (Blume) Hook. F. & Thompson) fruits.Antioxidant activities of methanol extracts and acetate ethyl fractions meat of kepel fruits calculatedprofile of malondialdehyde concentration (ng/mL) in CCl4 induced acute liver toxicity in femaleSprague Dawley rats using ELISA competitively method. All of groups induced CCl4 i.p. at 0 h, exceptuntreated and solvent control group, then vitamin C , methanol extracts and acetate ethyl fractionsp.o. once daily for 72 h. Identification of secondary metabolite was using phytochemical screeningand Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Liver weighed and calculated relative organ weight (ROW)of liver, then all of data analyzed using statistic tests, One Way ANOVA and Kruskall Wallis. Thisstudy showed methanol extracts can decrease MDA concentration, ALT and AST were more potent(significantly p<0.05) than acetate ethyl fractions and vitamin C. The TLC analysis identified methanolextracts have same polarity with quercetin (Rf = 0,26) and acetate ethyl fractions showed otherflavonoid class, except rutin and quercetin. ROW of acute liver toxicity in rats increased significantlyin CCl4 and vitamin C groups.

Toxic effects of subchronic oral acetamiprid exposure in rats.

Acetamiprid, a selective agonist of type-2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, is one of the most widely used neonicotinoids. The hepato- and nephrotoxic potential of acetamiprid has not been clarified although it is known to be toxic to other several organ systems, including the nervous, respiratory and immune systems. The present study aimed to investigate acetamiprid liver and kidney toxicity in male rats after a 90-day subchronic exposure to 12.5, 25 and 35 mg/kg. The biochemical and oxidative damage parameters were determined in the plasma and tissue samples as well as histopathological evaluation in the liver and kidney tissues. Acetamiprid caused oxidative damage and affected the liver, denoted by injury markers including the levels of cholesterol, and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes. There was also a decrease in plasma urea, uric acid and creatinine levels, all of which might result from liver injury. Additionally, acetamiprid was more toxic to the liver than the kidney according to the histopathological examinations. In conclusion, acetamiprid exhibited hepatotoxic potential at all treatment doses on male Sprague Dawley rats.

The impact of Crocus sativus stigma against methotrexate-induced liver toxicity in rats.

Background The adverse effects of methotrexate (MTX) mainly hepatotoxicity restrict its clinical use. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of saffron (Crocus sativus) (CS) extract on MTX-induced hepatotoxicity. Methods Twenty-eight male Wistar rats randomly divided into four equal groups. Except for control, all groups received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of MTX on the 3rd day of study. The CS extract was given (80 mg/kg i.p.) to rats 3days before MTX and continued for the next 7days (Pre&Post-CS group) or administrated after MTX injection and lasted for 7days (Post-CS group). On the 11th day, all rats were sacrificed and their plasma levels of liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined. Also, liver histopathology and hepatic levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and super oxidase dismutase (SOD) were evaluated. Results The results showed that MTX significantly incremented plasma levels of AST, ALT, ALP and LDH (all p<0.001) and hepatic MDA and NO levels; whereas, decreased SOD activity. Histological alterations such as early fatty changes were evident in the MTX group. Administration of CS extract at both methods could ameliorate liver enzyme elevation, oxidative/nitrosative stresses and morphological alterations of the liver. Pre-and-post treatment with CS extract showed better protective effects than only post-treatment. Conclusion The present findings provide showing CS could effectively alleviate MTX-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Further investigations are recommended to determine the exact mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective potential of saffron.

Alleviation of Tramadol-Induced Liver Toxicity in Experimental Rats by Using Kiwifruit, Turmeric Extract or Their Combination

This work was designed to study the potential effect of kiwifruit, turmeric extract or their combination in alleviation of the liver toxicity induced by tramadol intake. Thirty rats were fed on a basal diet, six of them continued on the basal diet (negative control). The remaining rats were given tramadol daily and divided into four groups, one of them served as positive control, while the other three groups were treated daily with kiwifruit juice, turmeric water extract and their combination for four weeks. The results revealed that the positive control exhibited significant decreases in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-c levels and a significant increase in serum LDL-c as compared to the negative control. In comparing with the positive control, the serum cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL-c and HDL-c values increased while LDL-c value decreased significantly in the three treated groups which reached the normal values of the negative control. The findings revealed significant decreases in serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and total bilirubin and significant increases in total protein and albumin of the treated groups in comparing with the positive control. An improvement of the antioxidant parameters was observed where the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor- α, acetylcholine esterase and total oxidative capacity decreased significantly while the levels of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidants capacity increased in all the treated groups in comparing with positive control group. It is recommended by using kiwifruit and turmeric extract in the diets of those who addicted to tramadol intake.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Momordica Charantia leaves in carbon tetrachloride induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats

Liver carries out a variety of physiological functions and protects against damaging drugs and chemicals. Herbs have been shown to play a major role in the management of various liver disorders. Due to the lack of effective liver protective medication in modern medicine, several herbal options for the treatment of liver diseases in Ayurveda are suggested. In this current study, we evaluated the hepatoprotective action of Momordica charantia leaf extract in comparison to Liv-52, a standard hepatoprotective drug. In Wistar rats, hepatotoxicity was induced by administering carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) 1ml / kg body weight subcutaneously on alternate days for a week in a suspension of liquid paraffin. Rats were grouped into 5 groups with group I as control, group II - CCl4 treatment only, group III receiving a mixture of Liv-52 orally (5 ml / kg) and CCl4, and group IV and group V receiving Momordica charantia leaf extract administered orally to rats at doses of 100 and 200 mg / kg respectively, together with CCl4 for 1 week.. Indices of liver functions (lipid profile) were evaluated in the serum of the rats. Animals were sacrificed after the study period and liver tissue was isolated for histopathological changes. The mean results for groups I to V for SGOT levels in IU/L were: 53.57 ± 1.19, 167.72 ± 5.57, 54.72 ± 0.83, 69.41 ± 2.35 and 60.72 ± 1.5 respectively; for SGPT in IU/L were 37.00 ± 1.77, 118.16 ± 2.91, 61.41 ± 1.25, 47.92 ± 1.71 and 58.59 ± 1.81 respectively; for ALP in IU/L were 165.44 ± 4.84, 281.33 ± 7.11, 206 ± 6.95, 190.62±5.47 and 188.86 ± 2.5 respectively and for total bilirubin levels in mg/dl were 0.71± 0.66, 1.57 ± 0.1, 0.80 ± 0.20.88 ± 0.02 &amp; 0.77 ± 0.03 respectively. The findings from this study showed a decrease in the liver enzymes and therefore suggests protective activity of Momordica charantia leaf extract against CCl4 induced hepatic toxicity.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of ethanolic leaves extract of Avicennia marina against alcohol-induced liver toxicity in rats

Plants play an important role in the life of human, as the major source of food, as well as for the maintenance and improvement of health and for the elimination of the enemies since ages. Plants are the basic source of knowledge of modern medicine. The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic leaves extract of Avicennia marina are evaluated in alcohol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Silymarin (100mg/kg) was given as reference standard. The ethanolic leaves extract of Avicennia marina have shown very significant hepatoprotection against alcohol induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats in reducing SGOT, SGPT, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and GGT and levels of total bilirubin and total protein were investigated and showed an increase in alcohol induced rats when compared to control. The extracts of the test plant exhibited significant (p &lt; 0.01) hepatoprotective activity against the alcohol induced liver models by improving liver function which was indicated by reduction in the levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, GGT, total bilirubin and total protein. Keywords: Avicennia marina, Hepatoprotective, Liver Enzymes, Silymarin

The effects of zingerone against vancomycin-induced lung, liver, kidney and testis toxicity in rats: The behavior of some metabolic enzymes.

In this study, it was demonstrated the ameliorative effect of zingerone (ZO) (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) against vancomycin (VCM) (200 mg/kg body weight) administered to rats on some metabolic enzymes' activities in the lung, liver, kidney, and testis tissues of rats. Forty-two rats were divided into six groups as follows: control, ZO-25, ZO-50, VCM, VCM + ZO-25, and VCM + ZO-50. α-Glycosidase, butyrylcholinesterase, aldose reductase, acetylcholinesterase, paraoxonase-1, and carbonic anhydrase enzyme activities were significantly (P < .05) decreased in VCM group when compared with the control group. ZO, supplied with VCM, significantly activated some of these enzyme in all tissues. The results of this study showed that ZO regulates abnormal increases and decreases in VCM-induced metabolic enzyme activities in all tissues.

Inhaled Furan Selectively Damages Club Cells in Lungs of A/J Mice.

Furan, a possible human carcinogen, is a product of incomplete combustion and is present in cigarette smoke, engine exhaust, and processed food. Oral administration induces liver toxicity and carcinogenesis in F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice. To assess possible adverse effects from inhalation, A/J mice were nose-only exposed for 3 hours to furan (0, 30, 75, 150, 300, or 600 ppmv) and euthanized after 24 hours, 48 hours, or 1 week. Histopathology evaluation revealed bronchiolar club cell necrosis (diffuse, marked) with airway denudation following exposure to 300 and 600 ppmv furan with evidence of club cell regeneration and partial repair after 1 week. Initial signs of hepatotoxicity were observed in the 150 ppmv furan-exposed group. Acute necrosis and mineralization were observed in livers at 24 and 48 hours with hepatocyte regeneration by 1-week postexposure in mice exposed to 300 and 600 ppmv furan; the 300 ppmv exposed group had multifocal mineralization that evoked a mild granulomatous response. Measurement of urinary furan metabolites confirmed that the mice metabolized furan to the toxic intermediate, cis-2-butene-1,4-dial. These observations indicate that inhaled furan is toxic to lungs with club cells as the target as well as liver.

Hypolipidemic effect of azima tetracantha on lipid profile markers of carbon tetrachloride induced liver toxicity in rats

This study was aimed at evaluating the hypolipidemic effects of ethanolic extract of Azima tetracantha leaves against liver toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in male albino Wistar rats and to compare the same with the reference drug silymarin. Six groups of rats with six rats in each group were used as the experimental subject. Animals were allocated into a control group and liver toxicity control group. The remaining four groups received in addition to CCl4, silymarin (20 mg/kg/d) as a reference treatment and Azima tetracantha (100, 200 and 400mg/kg/d). Once the experiment period was completed, the biomarkers of lipid profile, including total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)] were evaluated. Azima tetracantha significantly decreased the serum lipid profile markers cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, VLDL, LDL, and increased HDL. Azima tetracantha could be a promising protective agent against cholesterol through the improvement of liver function, modulation of CCl4 by-products formation and thus has hypolipidemic potentials.

Hepatoprotective effect of Lobelia alsinoides Lam. in Wistar rats

BackgroundTraditional healing practitioners of South India use fine paste (an Ayurvedic dosage form known as ‘kalka’) of Lobelia alsinoides Lam., an ethno medicinal plant for curing hepatic diseases. ObjectiveTo evaluate in-vivo hepatoprotective effect of a candidate formulation viz. kalka containing whole plant (L. alsinoides Lam.) in rat model of Carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity. Materials & methodsHepatotoxicity was induced in Wistar albino rats by oral administration of 1.25 ml/kg CCl4 once every day for 7 consecutive days. A candidate kalka formulation (fine paste) was prepared and administered to rats at different dose rates of 0.54 g/kg, 1.08 g/kg and 2.16 g/kg daily. At the end of the study-period, the serum levels of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, total protein, albumin and total cholesterol were monitored. Further, the hepatic pathology was evaluated for assessing the extent of hepatotoxicity in the control and hepatoprotective effect in treatment groups. Meanwhile in-vitro antioxidant activity of kalka was evaluated by hydroxy radical, nitric oxide and DPPH (2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil) radical scavenging assays. Further, a ‘limit test’ was done in accordance with OECD Guidelines 425 (acute toxicity). ResultsThe animals treated with the fine paste of L. alsinoides did not show an elevation in the biochemical values compared to CCl4 treated rats and during histomorphologic evaluation, hepatoprotective effect was evident with scattered mitotic figures in the parenchyma. Acute toxicity evaluation indicated that doses up to 2500 mg/kg are not toxic to rats. It has a good anti-oxidant activity also. ConclusionsFrom the study, it was obvious that L. alsinoides had significant hepatoprotective effect in CCl4 induced liver toxicity in rats. This ethno medicinal plant is certainly a promising hepatoprotective drug in liver disorders.

Hepatoprotective effects of silymarin against diclofenac-induced liver toxicity in male rats based on biochemical parameters and histological study

Diclofenac (DIC) is a phenyl acetic acid derivative which is well known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory. In our study, the rats were divided into four groups. Group 1, control group; Group 2 received DIC-only; Groups 3 and 4 received DIC plus silymarin. The results showed that levels of CAT, SOD, GPx and GSH significantly reduced and levels of ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, nitrite content, MDA, serum TNF-α and TNF-α gene expression were significantly elevated in second group compared to control group. In other hand, treatment with silymarin resulted in a significant elevation in CAT, SOD, GPx, GSH and a significant reduction in MDA, ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, nitrite content, serum TNF-α, and gene expression of TNF-α in comparison with second group. Histopathological injuries were also improved by silymarin administration. The results confirm that silymarin has a protective effect on DIC-induced liver toxicity and oxidative stress in male rats.

Protective role of Carica papaya and Ficus bengalensis latex against CCl4 induced liver toxicity in experimental rats

Protective role of Carica papaya and Ficus bengalensis latex against CCl4 induced liver toxicity in experimental rats