Tetrachloride-induced Liver Injury In Rats Research Articles

The hepatoprotective potentials of Olea europaea L. leaves against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury in rats.

To examine the therapeutic effects of Olea europaea L. leaves extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats. The experimental study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, University of Karachi, Karachi, in July 2021, and comprised Albino Wistar male rats weighing 180-220gm. The animals were divided into control group I, carbon tetrachloride group II, Olea europaea L. + carbon tetrachloride group III and Olea europaea L. group IV. In Vitro model of hepatic toxicity was developed by carbon tetrachloride. A daily dose of 50mg/kg of aqueous extract of olive leaves was administered orally and 0.8ml/kg of carbon tetrachloride was administered twice a week subcutaneously for 28 days. On the 29th day, the animals were sacrificed, and tested for hepatic enzymes, lipid peroxidation markers and histopathology. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Of the 24 rats, 6(25%) were in each of the 4 groups. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin levels were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in group II whereas, 4- hydroxynonenal, isoprostane and malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased (p<0.05). However, total antioxidant level increased significantly (p<0.05) in group III compared to group II. Histopathology showed severe liver damage in group II and mild damage in group III. Olea europaea L. leaves extract was found to have profound hepatoprotective effects.

A transcriptomics and network pharmacology approach to elucidate the mechanism of action of geniposide on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

Geniposide, the main active component of Fructus Gardeniae (FG), is known to confer protection against liver diseases. Herein we explored the hepatoprotective effects of geniposide and elucidated its molecular mechanism by transcriptome RNA-seq and network pharmacology. Liver injury was modeled by intraperitoneally injecting CCl4 (0.15% prepared with refined peanut oil) at a dose of 1.5 mL/kg thrice a week; from the second week, rats were administered geniposide (20 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg) by gavage for 6 weeks. Serum and liver samples were then collected to assess liver function indicators and inflammatory factors and to observe pathological changes in the liver. The Illumina HiSeq 4000 platform was used to obtain transcriptome data from the liver tissue of rats after geniposide administration. Core targets and pathways related to the liver protection mechanism of geniposide were further analyzed by integrating transcriptomics and network pharmacology. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), core targets, and signaling pathways were identified by methods such as q-PCR, molecular docking, and Western blotting. We found that after geniposide administration, the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and inflammatory factors decreased in the model group, and liver injury cells be effectively repaired. RNA-seq data analysis showed that compared to control group, the model group reversed 1,451 DEGs; further, compared to model group, geniposide reversed 511 DEGs. Eight key targets, including PIK3R1, ACOX3, and EGF, were found through further analyses. Geniposide was determined to mainly regulate the PPAR signaling pathway, apoptosis signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway in liver tissues. To summarize, the protective and restorative effects of geniposide on rat liver may seem to be related to its efficacy in inhibiting the activation of inflammatory pathways, thereby reducing cell apoptosis. Our findings should serve as the basis for the development of functional foods or drugs to prevent and treat liver diseases.

Hepato-defensive effect of Cysteine, Ursodeoxycholic acid and Silymarin on histopathological and some biochemical parameters of Wister albino rat intoxicated by CCl4

The liver is an essential organ in the body for detoxification drugs and toxic substances. The present study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of L-Cysteine, Ursodeoxycholic acid (Ursoflor), and Silymarin against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats. Twenty adult male rats were used in this work; they were randomly divided into five groups (4 rats/group). The first group served as the control group and received 0.5 ml of normal saline orally daily; the second group injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 (1.5 ml/kg B.W. twice a week), the third group were treated orally with the silymarin at dose of (200 mg/kg B.W. in normal saline orally + CCl4 daily, the fourth group was treated with Ursoflor drug at dose of (50 mg/kg B.W. in 0.5 normal saline orally+CCl4 daily. While the fifth group was treated with cysteine at dose of (50mg/kg B.W. in normal saline by oral gavage) +CCl4. at the end of this study, the biochemical assessment showed alterations in enzyme activity which indicates the hepatocyte injury due to CCl4 toxicity, The production of ROS indicated by elevated levels in MDA and Peroxynitrite was noticed, which improved partially by the antioxidant effect of L- Cysteine, Ursodeoxycholic acid, and Silymarin, these results further backed by histological examination of the liver showed that CCl4 caused severe injury to the liver including a high number of fat droplets deposition in the cytoplasm of the hepatocyte, clear vascularization appeared and disorganization of the liver cells were determined, on the other hand, Silymarin has showed good protection against these injurious effects of CCl4.

Molecular Docking, In vitro Antioxidant, and In vivo Hepatoprotective Activity of Methanolic Extract of Calotropis gigantea leaves in Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Liver Injury in Rats

Background: Calotropis gigantea (Asclepiadaceae), a wildly growing plant, has several purported therapeutic characteristics and treats toothache and earache, sprains, anxiety, pain, epilepsy, and mental disorders. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro antioxidant and in vivo hepatoprotective capabilities of a methanolic extract of Calotropis gigantea leaves (CGL) against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats. Methods: The Sprague Dawley rats (180-250 g) were used for the current study. The hepatoprotective activity of CGL was determined by estimating the different biochemical parameters like SGOT, SGPT, ALP, bilirubin, and in vivo antioxidant parameters like LPO, GSH, SOD, and CAT in different animal groups. We have also investigated the inhibitory potential of some significant chemical constituents of CGL on CYP2E1 through molecular docking. Results: In vivo hepatoprotective studies indicate that the CGL extract administration caused a significant reduction [at 200 mg, SGOT (110.16 IU/L), SGPT (101.33 IU/L), ALP (186.66 IU/L), bilirubin (1.1 mg/dl), and LPO (6.933 M/mg protein)] and elevation [GSH (14.051 M/mg protein), SOD (257.5%), and CAT (15.975 μM)] in enzyme activity in a dose-dependent manner. Unfortunately, CGL extract has not shown a more potent activity than the standard drug Silymarin. All the phytoconstituents have shown potent binding affinity with CYP2E1 compared to the native ligand. Amongst all the phytoconstituents, Medioresinol was the most active and potent molecule that has developed compelling interactions with CYP2E1. Conclusion: From free radical scavenging activity, it was concluded that CGL extract exerts more scavenging activity than ascorbic acid, which indicates a high level of polyphenols and tocopherols and also exhibited in vivo hepatoprotective activity. From the molecular docking, it has been concluded that Calotropis gigantea can potentially inhibit CYP2E1 and prevent the generation of free radicals, which will ultimately reduce oxidative stress and associated diseases.

The hepatoprotective effect of gooseberry and black mulberry extracts against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

BackgroundLiver is the vital organ of the human body responsible for nutrition, immunity, and metabolism. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is an environmental pollutant that causes hepatotoxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the possible hepatoprotective effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of gooseberry and black mulberry on liver injury induced by CCl4 in rats.ResultsCCl4 caused significant (P≤0.05) elevation in the liver function tests and hydroxyproline (a major marker of fibrosis); also, there was a significant increase in the hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and plasma inflammatory biomarkers, whereas a significant decrease in the hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and plasma adiponectin levels was observed in the CCl4-treated group compared with control. These results were also confirmed by histological examination of liver tissue. Administration of gooseberry or black mulberry extracts alone decreased the hepatic level of hydroxyproline, ameliorated the antioxidant/oxidant status in liver tissue, and decreased the pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to normal control. Treatment with the tested extracts along with CCl4 was effectively able to ameliorate the abovementioned imbalances induced by CCl4 and protect the liver tissue.ConclusionThese results indicate that gooseberry and black mulberry extracts have a hepatoprotective effect against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats.

Effect of fermented red radish (Raphanus sativus L) in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

Effect of fermented red radish (Raphanus sativus L) in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

Antioxidant properties and hepatoprotective effect of the edible halophyte Crithmum maritimum L. against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

A number of studies have shown the importance of halophyte species as sources of natural antioxidants. Crithmum maritimum is considered an edible and medicinal plant, though in vivo studies of this plant still are necessary to elucidate its potential benefits in alleviating toxicity. The present work was undertaken to investigate the major components and the antioxidant profile of C. maritimum leaf hydro-methanolic extract (CME) and the protective effects of C. maritimum (CM) against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. Using LC–ESI–MS analysis, 17 phenolic compounds were identified in plant extract, with chlorogenic acid being the major component. The levels of total phenolic acids, total flavonoids and flavonols were ca. 26 mg GAE/g DW, 15.6 mg CE/g DW and 12 mg QE/g DW, respectively. Accordingly, CME showed important in vitro antioxidant activities (DPPH and ORAC). Moreover, CM supplementation to CCl4-intoxicated rats partially restored the impaired hepatic markers (ALT and AST activities and creatinine level), and reduced the CCl4-induced oxidative stress as shown by lipid peroxidation, GSH and protein carbonyl levels. The drug metabolizing system was also evaluated in liver by the measurement of some cytochrome P450-dependent activities such as ECOD, EROD and pNPH and the antioxidant DT-diaphorase, CAT and heme oxygenase activities. Thus, CM treatment reduced the enzymatic perturbations induced by CCl4 and hepatic damages observed from histopathological examination. The obtained results highlight the potential interest of C. maritimum as a source of bioactive compounds with relevant hepatoprotective effects.

Curcumin Ameliorates Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Liver Injury in Rats Through Modulating Various Biological Activities

Curcumin Ameliorates Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Liver Injury in Rats Through Modulating Various Biological Activities

Hepatoprotective effect of the unsaponifiable matter from olive, linseed and sesame oils against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

In the present study, the hepatoprotective activity of the unsaponifiable matter (UNSAP) of olive oil, linseed, and sesame oils against CCl4-induced liver toxicity in rats was investigated. In a preliminary antioxidant study, UNSAP showed pronounced DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 6.2-10.8 mg/mL). The constituents of UNSAP were determined by GC-MS. The subcutaneous administration of CCl4, caused liver injury. The hepatoprotective effect of UNSAP was comparable to that of α-tocopherol, a standard antioxidant agent. The co-administration of the investigated UNSAP normalized the activities of serum marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Furthermore, the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level were found to be alleviated by pre-treatment with the UNSAP. A histopathological evaluation showed marked improvement in the liver of UNSAP- and α-Tocopherol-treated animals. The hepatoprotective effect could be attributed to the antioxidant characteristics of UNSAP.

Investigation of hepatoprotective effect of some algae species on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate hepatoprotective effect of some algae species such as Spirulina platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, Laminaria japonica, Sargassum sp. on experimental acute hepatotoxicity model that induced with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Algaes at a dose of 200 mg/kg and Silymarin at a dose of 25 mg/kg were orally administered for 7 days followed by CCl4 at a single dose (0.5 ml/kg), at the 8th day to cause experimental acute hepatotoxicity. Levels of biochemical (AST, ALT etc.), lipid peroxidation (MDA), antioxidant (GSH, CAT, GPx) parameters and histopathological examination were carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of algae. In Sp group ALT and ALP levels were significantly decreased compared with CCl4 (p < .05). Histological liver structures of Sp group were similar to the control group. MDA, GPx and CAT levels of Sp and La groups were significantly different compared with CCl4 (p < .05). Based on these results, algae species able to minimise the toxic effects of CCl4 and especially S. platensis could be used in the purpose of protection against chemical-induced hepatotoxicity.

New Ferulic Acid Derivatives Protect Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Rats

Background:Ferulic Acid (FA) is a phenolic compound that exhibits a wide range of therapeutic effects majorly due to its antioxidant property. There have beenrecent efforts to maximize the therapeutic value of FA by way of structural modification of FA to form FA derivatives in order to enhancephysicochemical, antioxidant and therapeutic prospects.Objective:In this work, we synthesized, characterized and evaluated new ferulic derivatives [ferulic phthalate and maleate] for their potential to protectagainst CCl4-induced liver injury in Wistar rats.Methods:Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into groups and given oral administration of CCl4 only, or in combination with either ferulic phthalate ormaleate and thereafter, some biochemical parameters (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and malondialdehyde)and antioxidant indices (superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione) were determined.Results:Exposure to CCl4 altered liver biochemical indices in particular plasma alanine transaminase activities, in a manner reminiscent of liver injury.However, ferulic acid, as well as the ferulic derivatives significantly (p<0.05), improved rat liver indices. Also, ferulic derivatives improved(p<0.05) the rat antioxidant status compared with the group given CCl4 only. Furthermore, ferulic acid and ferulic maleate significantly (p<0.05)ameliorated rat lipid peroxidation caused by CCl4. Histological studies revealed mild infiltration caused by CCl4 but this cellular distortion wasabated and improved in rats administered with ferulic acid, ferulic phthalate as well as ferulic maleate.Conclusion:These findings do not only support the antioxidant as well as the therapeutic potentials of ferulic phthalate and maleate but also the medicinal valueand prospects of phenolic compounds for therapeutic purposes.

Modulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase pathway by eugenol and telmisartan in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

AimsInducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) pathway has been in the limelight since its discovery as a key mediator in the process of liver fibrogenesis. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to elucidate the in vivo molecular mechanism underlying the hepatic preventive relevance of eugenol (EUG) and telmisartan (TEL) through iNOS pathway modulation against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic injury. MethodsSixty healthy male albino rats were used in this study. Serum aminotransferases activities and NO levels were assessed. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrite/nitrate content and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration were estimated. Liver NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS proteins expressions were investigated by western blot assay. Histopathological examination was done. Key findingsCCl4 resulted in damage to centrilobular regions of the liver, elevation of serum aminotransferases, rise in oxidative parameters level, and up-regulation of NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-6 as well as iNOS proteins expressions. Treatment of fibrotic rats with either EUG or TEL significantly alleviated CCl4-induced biochemical, inflammatory and histopathological changes. Moreover, the combined administration of EUG with TEL has an ameliorative effect which is greater than either of them alone. SignificanceIn conclusion, the combination therapy between EUG and TEL is more effective than either drug alone which is attributed to suppression of NO production and iNOS protein expression. The results support that use of EUG and TEL exerts beneficial effects in the attenuation of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Hepatoprotective potential of Malvaviscus arboreus against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

Malvaviscus arboreus Cav. is a medicinal plant belonging to family Malvaceae with both ethnomedical and culinary value; however, its phytochemical and biological profiles have been scarcely studied. Accordingly, this work was designed to explore the chemical composition and the hepatoprotective potential of M. arboreus against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity. The total extract of the aerial parts and its derived fractions (petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous) were orally administered to rats for six consecutive days, followed by injection of CCl4 (1:1 v/v, in olive oil, 1.5 ml/kg, i.p.) on the next day. Results showed that the ethyl acetate and dichloromethane fractions significantly alleviated liver injury in rats as indicated by the reduced levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), and malondialdehyde (MDA), along with enhancement of the total antioxidant capacities of their livers, with the maximum effects were recorded by the ethyl acetate fraction. Moreover, the protective actions of both fractions were comparable to those of silymarin (100 mg/kg), and have been also substantiated by histopathological evaluations. On the other hand, liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC‒HR‒ESI‒MS) metabolomic profiling of the crude extract of M. arboreus aerial parts showed the presence of a variety of phytochemicals, mostly phenolics, whereas the detailed chemical analysis of the most active fraction (i.e. ethyl acetate) resulted in the isolation and identification of six compounds for the first time in the genus, comprising four phenolic acids; β-resorcylic, caffeic, protocatechuic, and 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acids, in addition to two flavonoids; trifolin and astragalin. Such phenolic principles, together with their probable synergistic antioxidant and liver-protecting properties, seem to contribute to the observed hepatoprotective potential of M. arboreus.

Bombax costatum Pellegr. and Vuillet Stem Bark Extract Prevents Paracetamol and Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Rats

Bombax costatum Pellegr. and Vuillet Stem Bark Extract Prevents Paracetamol and Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Rats

Mangopeel powder supplementation prevents oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic dysfunction in rats

The study reports the phenolic profiles and hepatoprotective properties of mango peel powder against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic damage in rats. It was found that the mango peel possesses high amount of polyphenols and flavonoids as analyzed by HPLC-DAD. Supplementation of mango peel powder in CCl4 administered rats exhibit strong protective effects in vivo. The results suggest that mango peel powder supplementation antagonized the CCl4-induced increase in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities and hepatic malondialdehyde levels. Furthermore, mango peel powder supplementation prevented decrease in antioxidant catalase activity and glutathione concentration in CCl4-administered rats. Mango peel powder supplementation also prevented the inflammatory cells infiltration and fibrosis in liver of CCl4 treated rats. This finding demonstrates that the polyphenol-rich mango peel powder can be explored as a chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agent against oxidative-stress-related liver disorders. Practical applications Mango (Mangifera indica L.), the most important fruit in Anacardiaceae family, is a tropical fruit which possesses high nutritional and medicinal value. The research showed that mango peel possesses numerous phenolic antioxidants. The results also demonstrated that mango peel powder exerts a protective effect against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats. Every year, considerable amount of mango peel is produced in juice industries which are left as waste product. Thus, this project will provide a potential source of phenolic compounds and potential approach to prevent liver diseases.

Protective effect of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) and its bioactive compounds against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury, in vivo

The protective effect of water extracts of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) (WECF) and its bioactive compounds against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats was investigated. Rutin, kaempferol, betanin and another nine compounds were present in WECF using HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS analyses. Oral administration of WECF to rats at 2.5 mg/kg bw for 28 consecutive days before a single dose of CCl4 demonstrated significantly lowered aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, and attenuated histopathological changes in CCl4-treated rats. WECF inhibited lipid peroxidation, restored glutathione (GSH), enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced DNA damage in CCl4-treated rats. Rutin, kaempferol and betanin at 1.0 µg/kg bw restored GSH and reduced DNA damage in CCl4-treated rats. In addition, betanin increased SOD activity. Overall, WECF protects rat liver from CCl4-treated liver injury due mainly to attenuating oxidative stress. The presence of bioactive compounds in WECF may partly be responsible for the hepatoprotection of WECF.

The protective effect of an aqueous extract from &lt;i&gt;Smilax excelsa&lt;/i&gt; l. against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

Background: Because reactive oxygen species (ros) contribute to the pathogenesis of various acute and chronic liver diseases, dietary antioxidants and drugs from herbal origins have been proved to be beneficial as therapeutic agents in reversing hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect of an aqueous extract from smilax excelsa l. Shoots and leaves against acute ccl4-induced liver injury as well as the changes in antioxidative defense system in female wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: S. Excelsa extract was administered orally in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, once daily for 9 days. Acute hepatic toxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of ccl4 (1 ml/kg) on the 10th day. 24 h after ccl4 intoxication, biochemical and histopathological analyses were undertaken on sera and liver tissues. Results: Ccl4 challenge caused significant increases in the activities of liver enzymes as well as the levels of bilirubin, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, while total serum protein levels and antioxidant defense system parameters were reduced significantly compared to the normal group. Administration of s. Excelsa extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg resulted in a suppression of ccl4-induced lipid peroxidation and altered oxidative stress parameters to nearly normal values in comparison to ccl4-treated rats. Nevertheless the extract did not reduce the extent of ccl4-induced mild liver injury, as seen by the histopathology of liver damage. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that s. Excelsa could protect the liver tissues against ccl4-induced oxidative stress probably by increasing antioxidative defense activities.

Hepatoprotective effect of methanolic extracts of Phyllanthus virgatus against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

In this study, the methanolic extract of Phyllanthus virgatus was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The results of this study indicated that Phyllanthus virgatus exhibited moderate protective effect at a dose of 100-200 mg/kg by lowering serum level of liver enzymes such as alanine amino transferees (ALT), glutamate pyruvate transaminases (SGPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases (SGOT), and total protein to a significant extent. Further, no significant effects were seen on blood serum level at a dose of 100-200 mg/kg body weight. The highest activity was observed at a dose of 200 mg/kg with a reduction of serum concentration of ALT, AST, total bilirubin and total protein. The methanolic extract of P. virgatus showed significant decrease in the levels of liver enzymes, indicating the protection of hepatic cells thereby protecting against CCl4 induced hepatocellular injury.

Effects of pharmaceutical formulations containing thyme on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats.

BackgroundHerbal supplements are widely used in the treatment of various liver disases, but some of them may also induce liver injuries. Regarding the infuence of thyme and its constituents on the liver, conflicting results have been reported in the literature. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of two commonly used pharmaceutical formulations containing thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), tincture and syrup, on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in rats.MethodsChemical composition of investigated formulations of thyme was determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Activities of enzyme markers of hepatocellular damage in serum and antioxidant enzymes in the liver homogenates were measured using the kinetic spectrophotometric methods. Liver morphology was characterized by light microscopy using routine hematoxylin and eosin staining.ResultsThymol was found to be predominant active constituent in both tincture and syrup. Investigated thyme preparations exerted antioxidant effects in liver by preventing carbon tetrachloride-induced increase of lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, co-treatment with thyme preparations reversed the activities of oxidative stress-related enzymes xanthine oxidase, catalase, peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, towards normal values in the liver. Hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride was reflected by a marked elevation of AST and ALT activities, and histopathologic alterations. Co-administration of thyme tincture resulted in unexpected exacerbation of AST and ALT values in serum, while thyme syrup managed to reduce activites of aminotransferases, in comparison to carbon tetrachloride-treated animals.ConclusionsDespite demonstrated antioxidant activity, mediated through both direct free radical scavenging and activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms, thyme preparations could not ameliorate liver injury in rats. Molecular mechanisms of diverse effects of thyme preparations on chemical-induced hepatotoxicity should be more in-depth investigated.

Protective Effects of Camellia sinensis Leaf Extract against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Rats

The present study appraised the hepatoprotective effects of aqueous leaf extract of Camellia sinensis against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in rats. The 100 and 200 mg kg-1 b.wt. of Camellia sinensis and 100 mg kg-1 b.wt. Silymarin was administered orally to separate groups of rats for 7 days prior to CCl4 administration. A significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in both the groups treated with 100 and 200 mg kg-1 b.wt. of the leaf extract and Silymarin on the levels of the enzymes and non-enzyme markers of tissue damage and lipid peroxidation, with no significant changes in the relative organ weight of the treated groups. This result shows that the leaf extract of Camellia sinensis contains some phytochemical(s) that can protect the liver against CCl4-induced injury in rats.