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Evaluation of the protective potential of Ambrosia maritima extract on acetaminophen-induced liver damage
1Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef, Egypt. emoo_eg@hotmail.com
Abstract:
The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous-methanolic extract of Ambrosia maritima was investigated against acetaminophen (paracetamol, 4-hydroxy acetanilide) induced hepatic damage. Acetaminophen at the dose of 640 mg/kg produced liver damage in rats as manifested by the significant (P < 0.001) rise in serum levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to 1178.5 +/-118.05; 607.5 +/- 32.6 and 274.16 +/- 8.89 IU/l (n = 10), respectively, compared with respective control values of 97.83+/-3.23; 46.0 +/- 3.92 and 168.67 +/- 7.86 IU/l. Pretreatment of rats with the plant extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) lowered significantly (P < 0.001) the respective serum AST to 203.3+/-5.74 and 157.1 +/- 8.78 IU/l, ALT to 138.67 +/- 7.7 and 87.5 +/- 3.6 IU/l and ALP levels to 238.0 +/- 5.89 and 206.5 +/- 7.5 IU/l, respectively. Treatment of rats with acetaminophen led to a marked increase in lipid peroxidation as measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) (42%). This was associated with a significant reduction of the hepatic antioxidant system e.g. reduced glutathione (GSH) (65%), glutathione reductase (GSH-R) (35%), total glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (32%) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) (16%). These biochemical alterations resulting from acetaminophen administration were inhibited by pretreatment with A. maritima L. extract. These data suggest that the plant A. maritima L. may act as a hepatoprotective and antioxidant agent.
Insights
Ambrosia maritima extract protects the liver from acetaminophen damage by reducing harmful enzymes and oxidative stress. This study highlights its potential as a natural hepatoprotective and antioxidant agent.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
- Natural Product Research
Background:
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose is a common cause of drug-induced liver injury.
- Oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation play critical roles in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.
- Herbal remedies are increasingly explored for their therapeutic potential in liver protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of the aqueous-methanolic extract of Ambrosia maritima against acetaminophen-induced liver damage in rats.
- To evaluate the antioxidant potential of Ambrosia maritima extract in mitigating acetaminophen-induced biochemical alterations.
Main Methods:
- Rats were induced with liver damage using acetaminophen (640 mg/kg).
- Hepatoprotective activity was assessed by measuring serum levels of liver enzymes: glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
- Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde - MDA) and antioxidant markers (reduced glutathione - GSH, glutathione reductase - GSH-R, glutathione peroxidase - GSH-Px, glutathione-S-transferase - GST) were analyzed in liver tissues.
Main Results:
- Acetaminophen administration significantly increased serum AST, ALT, and ALP levels, indicating liver damage.
- Pretreatment with Ambrosia maritima extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced these elevated liver enzyme levels.
- Acetaminophen-induced increase in lipid peroxidation and decrease in hepatic antioxidant enzymes (GSH, GSH-R, GSH-Px, GST) were significantly inhibited by the plant extract.
Conclusions:
- Ambrosia maritima extract demonstrates significant hepatoprotective activity against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in rats.
- The extract exhibits antioxidant properties, evidenced by its ability to counteract lipid peroxidation and restore hepatic antioxidant systems.
- These findings suggest that Ambrosia maritima L. is a promising candidate for a natural hepatoprotective and antioxidant therapeutic agent.
