Hepatoprotective activity of <it>Sonchus asper</it> against carbon tetrachloride-induced injuries in male rats: a randomized controlled trial

• Main Authors: Khan Rahmat A (Author), Khan Muhammad R (Author), Sahreen Sumaira (Author), Shah Naseer (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2012-07-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Sonchus asper</it> (SAME) is used as a folk medicine in hepatic disorders. In this study, the hepatoprotective effects of the methanol extract of SAME was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injuries in rats.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>To evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of SAME, 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into 6 groups. Rats of Group I (control) were given free access to approved feed and water. Rats of Group II were injected intraperitoneally with CCl₄ (3 ml/kg) as a 30% solution in olive oil (v/v) twice a week for 4 weeks. Animals of Groups III (100 mg/kg) and IV (200 mg/kg) received SAME, whereas those of Group V were given silymarin <it>via</it> gavage (100 mg/kg) after 48 h of CCl₄ treatment. Group VI received SAME (200 mg/kg) twice a week for 4 weeks without CCl₄ treatment. Various parameters, such as the serum enzyme levels, serum biochemical marker levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, and liver histopathology were used to estimate the hepatoprotective efficacy of SAME.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The administration of SAME and silymarin significantly lowered the CCl₄-induced serum levels of hepatic marker enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides while elevating high-density lipoprotein levels. The hepatic contents of glutathione and activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione reductase were reduced. The levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances that were increased by CCl₄ were brought back to control levels by the administration of SAME and silymarin. Liver histopathology showed that SAME reduced the incidence of hepatic lesions induced by CCl₄ in rats.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>SAME may protect the liver against CCl₄-induced oxidative damage in rats.</p>

Item Description

10.1186/1472-6882-12-90
1472-6882