Efficacy of Equisetum Arvense Extract Against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Liver and Kidney Injury in Rats Eman M. Ragheb1*, Zaenah Z. Alamri2 |
1 Agriculture Research Center, Regional Center for Food and Feed, Giza, Egypt. 2 Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. |
ABSTRACT
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.
Key Words: Equisetum arvense, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, dyslipidemia, antioxidant.
INTRODUCTION
The liver is the largest and one of the most vital organs that functions to regulate detoxification and metabolism of exogenous and endogenous compounds [1, 2]. Hepatotoxicity is a prevalent health problem that represents 38% of all hepatic problems worldwide [3]. Toxic damage happened in the liver frequently compared to the other organs as all the absorbed substances first reach the liver to be metabolized and eliminated [4]. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) has long been known as a toxicant in animal models for made of acute and chronic liver and renal injuries. CCl4 model has been utilized in numerous in vivo and in vitro toxicological researches [5, 6]. Itinduceslipid peroxidation and lowering antioxidant enzyme activities [7]. Although, when the balance between the oxidative stress and the antioxidant was impaired, the liver is the utmost organ to be in danger for tissue injury associated with the reactive oxygen species [8, 9].
Many in vitro and vivo researches assess natural therapeutic medicine for curing and protecting several debilitating diseases [10, 11]. Nowadays, there is a growing interest in medicinal plant usage. Equisetum arvense (E. arvense) belongs to the Equisetaceae family famous as field horsetail. It is a plant with a wide prospectus. E. arvense contains numerous flavonoids, alkaloids, phenol, phenolic, petrosins, triterpenoids, sterols, saponins, phytosterols, tannin, volatile oils, minerals, ascorbic acid, silicic acid, and many other biologically active constituents [12-14].
In folk medicine, E. arvense is used to treat tuberculosis, pulmonary, gastric, hemorrhages, rheumatic diseases, gout, wound healing, ulcers, and fractures. It possessed numerous pharmacological properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory actions [13, 15-20]. Numerous researches have documented the hypoglycemic action of E. arvense extract in diabetic models [21, 22]. The hepatoprotective action of the E. arvense extract versus the hepatitis model made by tetrachloromethane has been confirmed [23]. Moreover, a hepatoprotective effect of the phenolic petrosins and flavonoids separated from E. arvense has been documented [24]. Also, E. arvense extract showed a renoprotective and pressure-lowering impact in an experimental model of chronic kidney diseases [25].
As far as we know, no previous researches reported the liver and kidney protective efficacy of E. arvense ethanolic extract versus CCl4. Subsequently, the current research was performed to estimate the preventive effect of ethanolic extract of E. arvenseagainstCCl4producedhepatic and renal damage in rats.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Plants, chemicals, and animals
E. arvense plant was obtained fromHarazfor herbs and medicinal plants Company, Cairo, Egypt. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was bought from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, USA). All chemicals were bought from EL-Gomhoria, andBiodiagnostic, Egypt. Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats (n=50) of 200 g ± 10 average body weights, were obtained from Helwan Experimental Animals Farm, Giza, Egypt.
Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis of E. arvenseactive constituents
The assay was performed utilizing a GC-MS (Agilent Technologies 7890A) connected to a mass-specific detector (MSD, Agilent 7000). Helium was the carrier gas. The recognition of constituents was carried out by comparing their mass spectra and retention time with the library of authentic compounds (NIST and WILEY) [26].
Preparation of E.arvenseethanolicextract and estimation of its antioxidant content
The ethanolic extract of E.arvense was prepared according to Safiyeh et al. [21]. The phosphomolybdenum assay was adopted to estimate the antioxidant content [27], and Folin–Ciocalteuassay was adopted to estimate the total phenols content [28].
Induction of hepato-nephrotoxicity
Rats were subcutaneous (s.c.) injected3ml/kg of 50% v/v CCl4/oilve oil (2 times weekly for 2 weeks) to induce liver and renal toxicity according to Hismiogullari et al. [6]; Jayasekhar et al. [29].
Experimental design
Rats were housed in suitable cages under optimal laboratory situation and fed a standard ratschowone week for adaptation [30]. They were sorted into five groups (10 rats). Group 1(Control): rats s.c. injected with olive oil. Group 2 (CCl4): ratss.c.injected with CCl4. Groups 3-5 (E.arvense + CCI4); rats received orally 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg E.arvense ethanolic extract, respectively, for two weeks before CCl4s.c.injection [21].
Feed intake was recorded over the four weeks, initial body weight (IBW), and final body weight (FBW) estimated to calculate body weight gain percent (BWG%). At the end of the experiment, rats in all groups were anesthetized, and blood was collected from the aorta and centrifuged 10 minutes at 3000 rpm. The serum was then collected and preserved at -80 °C for the measurement of the biochemical parameters.The liver and kidney were detached and washed with normal saline, then weighted.
Measurement of liver enzymes
In serum, the activities of aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured using colorimetric assay kits as claimed by the manufacturer.
Measurement of total proteins and albumin
Serum total proteins and albumin were estimated using colorimetric assay kits as claimed by the manufacturer.
Measurement of renal functions
Creatinine, urea, and uric acid were measured in serum using colorimetric assay kits as claimed by the manufacturer.
Measurement of lipids
Triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterols (LDL-C) were estimated by colorimetric assay kits as claimed by the manufacturer.
Measurement of malondialdehyde
Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured using ELISA kits, as claimed by the manufacturer.
Histopathological examination
The formalin-fixed liver tissues were dehydrated in graded alcohol, clarified in xylene, and paraffin-embedded. Then 3-5 µm thick sections were cut, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E), and scanned via a light microscope.
Statistical calculations
Values are displayed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and statistically tested for significance by ANOVAtest preceded by LSD multiple comparison test utilizing SPSS software program, version 24 (p-value ≤ 0.05 was statistically significant).
RESULTS
Active constituents of E. arvense
The GC-MS analysis of E. Arvense is presented in Figure 1 and Table 1. The results showedthat E. arvensecontains several active constituents. There were 3 main compounds present in E. arvense, includingbergenin (12.73%), nilotinib (11.55%), and glafenin (9.71%). Followed by gardenin (6.42%), dimethylfraxetin (5.86%), sepiapterin (5%), 3-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-4-methylcoumarin (4.97 %), and (S)-(-)-Citronellic acid (4.66%).
Figure 1: Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy spectra of E. arvense active contents
Table 1: Active constituents of E. arvense (gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy)
Constituents |
RT (min) |
Concentrations (%) |
(S)-(-)-Citronellic acid |
11.407 |
4.66 |
6,7-Dimethoxy-4-ethylcoumarin |
12.515 |
1.77 |
Sepiapterin |
12.997 |
5 |
Tetrahydro-L-biopterin |
13.136 |
2.62 |
Retinyl propionate |
13.271 |
2.45 |
3,5,3',5'-Tetra-tert-butyldiphenoquinone |
13.393 |
1.29 |
2'-Hydroxy-3,4,4',5-tetramethoxychalcone |
13.798 |
1.09 |
Nilotinib |
14.001 |
11.55 |
Dimethylfraxetin |
14.622 |
5.86 |
3-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-4-methylcoumarin |
15.095 |
4.97 |
7,3',4',5'-Tetramethoxyflavanone |
15.244 |
1.93 |
Bergenin |
15.428 |
12.73 |
3,2',4',5'-Tetramethoxyflavone |
15.671 |
1.92 |
all trans-Retinal |
15.816 |
1.51 |
Astilbin |
16.014 |
4.79 |
Cholic acid |
16.351 |
2.73 |
Glafenin |
16.986 |
9.71 |
Gardenin |
17.689 |
6.42 |
Linoleic acid |
18.247 |
2.07 |
3-Hydroxy-7,8,2'-trimethoxyflavone |
18.715 |
2.05 |
Isovitexin |
19.04 |
0.96 |
Dodecanedioic acid |
19.431 |
1.51 |
Phytanic acid |
20.634 |
4.39 |
9-cis-Retinoic acid |
21.872 |
1.58 |
Quercetin 3,5,7,3',4'-pentamethyl ether |
22.926 |
3.51 |
Irbesartan |
23.106 |
0.92 |
Non-identified compounds > 23.2 |
0.01 |
Antioxidant contents ofE.arvense
The total antioxidants content of E. arvense amounted to2020.6 ± 20.0 mg/ 100 g ascorbic acid, where the total phenolic constituentsamounted to218.0 ± 18.0 mg/ 100 g gallic acid (Table 2).
Table 2: Total antioxidants and total phenols of E. arvense
Antioxidant constituents |
Mean ± SD |
Total antioxidants (mg/ 100 g ascorbic acid) |
2020.6 ± 20.00 |
Total phenols (mg/ 100 g gallic acid) |
218.0 ± 18.00 |
Values were presented as the mean of three replicates ± SD.
Impact of E. arvense on biological evaluation and organs (liver and renal) weighton CCl4-induced toxicity in rats
Administration of CCl4 to rats significantly decreased FBW and BWG% (p ≤ 0.001), with significantly raised (p ≤ 0.001) liver and renal weight-matched to the control group. E. arvense oral ingestion significantly increased the FBW and BWG% in a dose-dependent way (p ≤ 0.001) matched to CCl4 intoxicated rats. Besides, the ingestion of E. arvense 75 mg/kg significantly decreased the liver and renal weight matched to CCl4 group, E. arvense 25 mg/kg+CCl4, and E. arvense 50 mg/kg+CCl4 (p ≤ 0.001). Concerning FI, there was a non-significant decline between CCl4 intoxicated rats and control rats. Moreover, the ingestion of E. arvense in all doses non-significantly increased FI matched to CCl4 group Tables 3 and 4.
Table 3: Impact of E. arvense on some biological parameters on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats
Experimental groups |
IBW (g) |
FBW (g) |
BWG% |
FI (g/day/rat) |
Control |
202.4 ± 4.27 |
265.8 ± 10.43 |
31.32 ± 7.49 |
24.70 ± 2.96 |
CCl4 |
202.7 ± 4.90 |
187.2 ± 4.32 a |
-7.65 ± 1.94 a |
23.74 ± 4.14 |
E. arvense25 mg kg+ CCl4 |
201.2 ± 5.27 |
220.3 ± 19.97b |
9.49 ± 3.62 b |
24.52 ± 2.41 |
E. arvense50 mg kg+ CCl4 |
200.1 ± 5.80 |
240.5 ± 5.99b,c |
20.19 ± 4.78 b,c |
24.75 ± 3.24 |
E. arvense75 mg kg+ CCl4 |
200.6 ± 5.76 |
254.3 ± 9.78b,c,d |
26.77 ± 5.09 b,c,d |
25.36 ± 5.45 |
Values were offered as mean ± SD (n=10). Values were offered as mean ± SD (n=10). Results were significantly varied (p≤ 0.05) from acontrol, bCCl4 group, cE. arvense 25 mg/kg+CCl4 group, dE. arvense 50 mg/kg+CCl4 group.
Table 4: Impact of E. arvense on liver and renal weight on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats
Experimental groups |
Liver (g) |
Renal (g) |
Control |
3.92 ± 0.43 |
0.61 ± 0.04 |
CCl4 |
5.07 ± 0.74 a |
0.73 ± 0.08 a |
E. arvense25 mg kg+ CCl4 |
4.94 ± 0.64 |
0.70 ± 0.05 |
E. arvense50 mg kg+ CCl4 |
4.84± 0.55 |
0.71 ± 0.06 |
E. arvense75 mg kg+ CCl4 |
4.02 ± 0.45b,c,d |
0.70 ± 0.05 |
Values were offered as mean ± SD (n=10). Results were significantly varied (p≤ 0.05) from a control, bCCl4 group, cE. arvense25 mg kg+CCl4 group, dE. arvense50 mg kg+CCl4 group.
Impact of E. arvense on liver enzymes function on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats
The rats injected with CCl4 displayed a significant rise (p≤ 0.001) in hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) matched to the control. E. arvenseoral ingestion significantly decreased hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) in a dose-dependent way (p≤ 0.001) matched to the CCl4 intoxicated rats. Besides, there was a significant variation between the E. arvense 25 mg/kg and the other two doses. Also, there was a significant variation between the E. arvense50 mg/kg+CCl4 group and the E. arvense 75mg/kg+CCl4 group Figure 2.
Figure 2: Impact of E. arvense on liver enzymes function on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. Values were offered as mean±SD (n=10). Results were significantly varied (p≤ 0.05) from acontrol, bCCl4 group, cE. arvense 25 mg/kg+CCl4 group, dE. arvense 50 mg/kg+CCl4 group.
Impact of E. arvense on total protein and albumin on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats
The rats injected with CCl4 displayed significant decline (p ≤ 0.001) in total protein and albumin values matched to the control group. E. arvenseoral ingestion significantly increased total protein and albumin values in a dose-dependent (p ≤ 0.001) matched to the CCl4 intoxicated rats. Besides, there was a significant variation between the E. arvense25 mg/kg and the other two doses. Also, there was a significant variation between the E. arvense50 mg/kg+CCl4 group and the E. arvense75mg/kg+CCl4 group Figure 3.
Figure 3: Impact of E. arvenseontotal protein and albumin on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. Values were offered as mean ± SD (n=10). Results were significantly varied (p≤ 0.05) from a control, bCCl4 group, cE. arvense25 mg/kg+CCl4 group, dE. arvense50 mg/kg+CCl4 group.
Impact of E. arvense on kidney function on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats
The rats injected with CCl4 displayed a significant rise (p ≤ 0.001) in serum creatinine, uric acid, and urea levels matched to the control group. E. arvense oral ingestion significantly decreased serum creatinine, uric acid, and urea values in a dose-dependent way (p ≤ 0.001) matched to the CCl4 intoxicated rats. Concerning uric acid, there was a significant variation between the E. arvense 25 mg/kg and the other two doses. Also, there was a significant variation between the E. arvense 50 mg/kg+CCl4 group and the E. arvense75mg/kg+CCl4 group Figure 4.
Figure 4: Impact of E. arvense on kidney function on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. Values were offered as mean ± SD (n=10). Results were significantly varied (p≤ 0.05) from a control, bCCl4 group, cE. arvense 25 mg/kg+CCl4 group, dE. arvense 50 mg/kg+CCl4 group.
Impact of E. arvense on lipid profile parameters on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats
The rats injected with CCl4 displayed a significant elevation (p ≤ 0.001) in serum values of TC, TG, and LDL-C, concurrent with a significant elevation (p ≤ 0.001) in serum HDL-C concentration matched to control. E. arvense oral ingestion significantly improvesalllipid profile parameters in a dose-dependent way (p ≤ 0.001) matched to CCl4 intoxicated rats. Besides, there was significant variation between the E. arvense25 mg/kg+CCl4 group and the E. arvense75 mg/kg+CCl4 group in all tested lipid parameters Table 5.
Table 5: Impact of E. arvense on lipid profile parameters on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats
Experimental groups |
TC(mg/dl) |
TG (mg/dl) |
LDL-C (mg/dl) |
HDL-C (mg/dl) |
Control |
81.52 ± 3.89 |
73.84 ± 5.58 |
30.06 ± 5.87 |
54.11 ± 8.26 |
CCl4 |
115.31 ± 7.22 a |
147.04 ± 19.06 a |
49.39 ± 10.79 a |
33.85 ± 9.04 a |
E. arvense25 mg kg+ CCl4 |
89.30 ± 5.15 b |
90.97 ± 9.88b |
35.06 ± 4.02b |
40.16 ± 9.15b |
E. arvense50 mg kg+ CCl4 |
86.68 ± 5.88 b |
82.72 ± 5.15b |
30.07 ± 9.41b |
42.13 ± 6.14 b |
E. arvense75 mg kg+ CCl4 |
82.09± 6.24b,c |
78.01± 5.45b,c |
23.28 ± 7.38b,c |
50.02 ± 12.62 b,c |
Values were offered as mean ± SD (n=10). Results were significantly varied (p≤ 0.05) from a control, bCCl4 group, cE. arvense25 mg kg+CCl4 group.
Impact of E. arvenseon serum malondialdehyde on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats
The rats injected with CCl4 displayed a significant rise (p ≤ 0.001) in MDA matched to control. E. arvenseoral ingestion significantly decreasesMDAin a dose-dependent way (p ≤0.001) matched to the CCl4 intoxicated rats. Besides, there was a significant decrease between the E. arvense75 mg/kg+CCl4 group and the E. arvense25 mg/kg+CCl4 group Figure 5.
Figure 5: Impact of E. arvense on serum malondialdehyde (MDA) on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. Values were offered as mean ± SD (n=10). Results were significantly varied (p ≤ 0.05) from a control, bCCl4 group, cE. arvense25 mg kg + CCl4 group.
Impact of E. arvense on liver tissue histopathology
The histological results of hepatic sections of the control rats displayed a normal histological structure of hepatic lobules (Figure 6A). Hepaticsectionsof rats from the CCl4 group displayed hepatic sinusoids congestion, Kupffer cell activation, presence of karyomegaly, binucleated cells, sporadic hepatocytes necrosis, and inflammatory leukocytes infiltration (Figure 6B&C). Liver sections of CCl4 pretreated with E.arvense25 mg/kg displayed regeneration nodules separated by fibrous septa with slight loss of normal architecture (Figure 6D). Liver sections of CCl4 pretreated with E.arvense50 mg/kg displayed proliferated hepatocytes replacing the degenerated ones (Figure 6E). Liver sections of CCl4 pretreated with E.arvense75 mg/kg displayed apparent normal hepatic lobule structure where the portal tract was surrounded by proliferated hepatocytes replacing the degenerated ones (Figure 6F).
Figure 6. Effect of E. arvense on hepatic tissue histopathology displayed in hepatotoxic rats. The histological examination of liver sections of control displayed a healthy histological appearance of hepatic lobules (A). The liver of rats from the CCl4 group displayed hepatic sinusoid congestion, kupffer cell activation, presence of karyomegaly, binucleated cells, sporadic cell necrosis (B), along with sporadic hepatocytes necrosis and inflammatory leukocytes infiltration (C). Liver sections of E.arvense25 mg/kg +CCl4group displayed regeneration nodules separated by fibrous septa with loss of normal architecture of the liver (D). Liver sections of E.arvense50 mg/kg+CCl4group displayedproliferated hepatocytes replacing the degenerated ones (E). Liver sections of E.arvense75 mg/kg +CCl4group displayed a portal tract surrounded by proliferated hepatocytes replacing the degenerated ones (F)(H&E X 200).
DISCUSSION
The liver regulates numerous functions of the body [31]. CCl4 is well documented to induce hepatic and nephrotoxicity via oxidative stress mechanisms [1]. The extract E. arvense has many bioactive components that quench free-radicals and possess antioxidant properties [15, 17, 18]. Since the damaging effects of CCl4 involve oxidative stress, this study postulated that E. arvense extract might protect the liver and renal versus CCl4 induced toxicity.
In this study, the CCl4 induced significant decreases in FBW, BWG%, with significant increases in liver and kidney weight. The obtained results agree with with Ezejindu et al. [32], who revealed that injection with CCl4 caused a significant loss of body weight of rats concomitant with a relative increase in liver weight. This increase in liver weight was not growth, but inflammation occurs via CCl4. Besides, recently Ullah et al. [33] attributed the reduction in body weight to the decreased feed intake, which was observed in the present study.
Liver enzymes are utilized to estimate the liver cell damage, while total protein is usually applied to estimate the hepatic activity [1, 10]. This study showed that CCl4-induced severe hepatic and renal destruction as evidence by significant increases in hepatic enzyme levels (ALT, AST, and ALP) coupled with significant increases in renal function levels (creatinine, urea, and uric acid), as well as disturbing in serum total protein and albumin values. The biochemical findings confirmed with the histopathological results of CCl4 intoxicated rat’s liver sections, which showed the occurrence of focal hepatocytes necrosis together with the infiltration of inflammatory cells. These findings pointed to kidney and liver impairment, cellular infiltration, injury, and disturbed cell membrane integrity in the kidney and liver.
The obtained results agree with several studies [3, 33-36] who showed that CCl4 treated mice had extended necrosis around the central vein and vacuole formation, thus indicated increased hepatic injury. The hepatotoxicity following CCl4 application explained via membrane damage and significant disturbance in renal and liver tissues induced by CCl4, which is metabolized by cytochrome p450-2E1 to trichloromethyl radicals that begin free radical-induced lipid peroxidation, thus cause hepatic and renal damage [33, 37].
The nephrotoxic effect of CCl4 was confirmed in several previous studies [38, 39]. Adewole et al. [40] revealed that CCl4 caused severe kidney damage as estimated by elevated serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urea concentration, which was explained through CCl4-induced oxidative stress that boosts the production of diverse vasoactive substances which directly disturbed the kidney function by prompting renal vasoconstriction and impaired the glomerular filtration [41].
Furthermore, CCl4- induced overt oxidative stress was marked by significant elevation of serum MDA level, thus confirmed in several types of researches [10, 34, 40]. Aziz et al. [7] revealed that many xenobiotics, including CCl4 toxicity induced via the free radicals’ production, which are toxic and implicated in the pathophysiology of ailments. Recently, Ullah et al. [33] reported that the CCl4 brought a high level of MDA and noticeable exhaustion of endogenous antioxidant molecules.The CCl4 intoxication formed free radicals that induced a cascade of actions inducing in its toxicity [38, 39].
Besides, in this study CCl4 injection caused a significant increase in lipid profile parameters. Recently Ullah et al. [33] and Elsawy et al. [35] revealed that CCl4 injection induced a statically significant increase in liver and serum lipids (free fatty acids, TC, total lipids, and TG), while decrease serum HDL-C.CCl4-induced oxygen-free radicals generation, which catalyzes the oxidation of LDL that caused cell injury [42]. Besides, alteration of lipid profile considered a causal factor for oxidative stress and excessive MDA as found in this study.
The pretreatment effect of E. arvense extract (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg) is remarkably protected against both liver and renal injury caused by CCl4. There were significant decreases in serum liver and kidney markers, as well as improve serum protein and albumin levels. The biochemical results confirmed by the histopathological investigation, which showed that pretreatment of intoxicated rats with E. arvense extract significantly protects the liver as minimal changes were seen. The high dose of E. arvense (75 mg/kg) was the most effective.E. arvense extract administration maintains liver and renal function homeostasis via acting as a membrane stabilizing agent through its active antioxidant constituents effects, which was confirmed by the analysis of the active constituents of E. arvense by GC-MS done in the current study.E. arvense comprises antioxidant activity through its numerous biological active constituents including flavonoids, phenolic, and phytosterols [13, 14, 43].
The hepatoprotection activity of E. Arvense herbs extract was investigated in a model of acute hepatitis produced by tetrachloromethane. The results offered that the extract protected the membrane through antioxidant action. This was displayed through lowered liver enzymes, total bilirubin, and lipid peroxidation products, besides the absence of reduced endogenous alpha-tocopherol and glutathione-based enzymes [23]. Oh, et al. [24] showed that the methanolic extract of E. arvense produced a marked protective action against tacrine-prompted cytotoxicity in the Hep G2 cell line. E. arvense extract decline serum level of MDA induced by CCl4 injection. This effect was further explained by E. arvense phytochemical antioxidant constituents, which possesses a potent radical scavenging ability [44-47]. To the best of our knowledge, no previous study was reported concerning the protective role of E. arvenseextract against the toxic effects induced by CCl4 in rats, and our study is the first in this line.
CONCLUSION
The biochemical and the histopathological findings of this study concluded that E. arvense extract dose-dependently protects against hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hyperlipidemia induced by CCl4 in rats. The mechanism behind E. arvense action could be explained by its antioxidant and free radicals scavenging efficacy.
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