Efficacy of Equisetum Arvense Extract Against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Liver and Kidney Injury in Rats ‎

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Medicinal plants are considered among the most important sources of antioxidants, which are proven to be highly effective against hepatic and nephrotoxicity of many chemical compounds. Equisetum arvense (E. arvense) plant family Equisetaceae has many uses in traditional medicine and possesses several pharmacological effects, most notably antioxidant effects. This study aimed first to assess the active constituents and antioxidants activities of E. arvense extract. Second to evaluate the protective action of E. arvense ethanolic extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic and renal toxicity in rats. This study was carried on 50 rats. Ten rats were served as a control group. Hepato and nephrotoxicity were induced in 10 rats by injection of CCl4 (3ml/kg 2 times weekly for 2 weeks) and served as CCl4group. Thirty rats were sorted into 3 groups (n =10) and orally administered with E. arvense ethanolic extract (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg) for 2 weeks and then injected with CCl4for another 2 weeks. Results showed that E. arvensecontains3 main active constituentsbergenin, nilotinib, and glafenin. It also has high total antioxidants and polyphenol contents. Administration of E. arvenseat all dosage regimen significantly improved rats body weight gain percentage, liver functions (ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, and albumin), kidney functions (creatinine, urea, and uric acid), and lipid profiles (TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C) matched to CCl4group. Oral feeding with E. arvenseat all dosagesregimensignificantly ameliorates liver histopathology in favor of the highest E. arvensedose (75 mg/kg). Also, E. arvenseat all dosagesregimensignificantly decreased lipid peroxidation products (MDA) matched to CCl4group. In conclusion, E. arvense exerted hepato and nephroprotective action as well as hypolipidemic effects against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. The mechanism may involve antioxidant effect and mitigation of lipid peroxidation.