Hepatoprotective Effects of Selected Plant Extracts on Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in a Rat Model

Abstract

This study sought to assess the protective effects of prunus dulcis shell skin ethanol extract in relation to paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The rats were divided into five groups, namely the control, paracetamol (2g/kg), low dose, high dose PDEE (100, 200 mg/kg) and silymarin with paracetamol groups. Results showed that acute intraperitoneal injection of of paracetamol induced significant (p0.05) alterations in the serum levels of lipids Results showed that acute intraperitoneal injection of 800 mg/kg of acetaminophen induced significant (p0.05) alterations in the serum levels of AST ALT. In the paracetamol overdose group, the liver architecture showed necrotic changes, hydropic degeneration, congestion, and dilatation of central veins. This hepatocellular damage was confirmed by a significant increase of AST, ALT levels. However, pretreatments with 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly (p0.05) alterations in the serum levels of AST ALT and improved the antioxidant activity.