Hepatoprotective activity of Osmium sanctum leaf extract against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in mice

Abstract

Introduction:

Hepatotoxicity is associated with diseases that cause increased deaths worldwide. Medicines, chemicals, and dietary disturbance cause liver damage. However, for hepatoprotection medicinal plants are safer, effective, and pharmaceutical alternatives for liver damage. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ocimum Sanctum leaf extract (OSLE) on paracetamol- induced hepatic damage in mice.

Methods:

Mice were divided into four groups. Group A normal control, Group B 250mg/kg of paracetamol, Group C 250mg/kg of paracetamol and OSLE, and Group D 500mg/kg of OSLE and 250mg/kg were given respectively for 7 days. The hepatoprotective effect was measured by assaying Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and the histology of the liver. The study group was compared with the normal control group by one-way Anova, followed by Dunnet C.

Results:

Paracetamol induced elevation in AST by 155% (p<0.05), and ALT by 334% (p<0.05) compared to control mice. In addition, treatment with a high dose of OSLE (500mg/kg) demonstrated a better hepatoprotective activity compared to the low dose (250mg/kg). The liver biomarker for 250mg/kg were AST (65%) and ALT (27%) while for 500mg/kg were AST (95%) and ALT (77%). Histologically, livers from these mice revealed liver cell disarrangement, inflammation, and vacuoles hepatocytes. In comparison, livers for the treatment group (OSLE) showed inflammation and vacuole hepatocytes reduction.

Conclusion:

Taken together, OSLE provides hepatoprotective effects against paracetamol-induced liver injury in mice with no toxicity even at a higher dose.