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Protective effects of garlic and silymarin on NDEA-induced rats hepatotoxicity
Sabry M Shaarawy1, Amany A Tohamy, Saad M Elgendy
1Department of Cancer Biology, National Research Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Background:
The present study was conducted to investigate the chemopreventive effects of garlic extract and silymarin on N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats.
Methods And Results:
Animals were pretreated with garlic, silymarin or both for one week prior to the injection of NDEA. Then animals received a single injection of NDEA followed by weekly subcutaneous injections of CCl(4) for 6 weeks. Oral administration was then continued along with the injection of CCl(4) for the duration of the experiment. Serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GSR) were measured. Injection of NDEA induced a significant elevation in serum AST, ALT and ALP. In the liver, NDEA increased oxidative stress through the increase in LPO and decrease in SOD, and GSH-dependent enzymes. Although administration of garlic or silymarin significantly reduced the liver toxicity, combined administration was more effective in preventing the development of hepatotoxicity.
Conclusion:
These novel findings suggest that silymarin and garlic have a synergistic effect, and could be used as hepatoprotective agents against hepatotoxicity.
Insights
Garlic extract and silymarin show synergistic chemopreventive effects against liver damage. Combined administration of these natural compounds is more effective in preventing hepatotoxicity than individual treatments.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Toxicology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Hepatotoxicity is a significant health concern.
- N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) are common hepatotoxins.
- Natural compounds like garlic and silymarin are explored for chemopreventive properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chemopreventive effects of garlic extract and silymarin.
- To evaluate their efficacy against NDEA and CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.
- To determine if a combination of garlic and silymarin offers synergistic benefits.
Main Methods:
- Male albino rats were used as the experimental model.
- Hepatotoxicity was induced using N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).
- Rats were pretreated with garlic extract, silymarin, or both before and during toxin administration. Biochemical markers of liver function and oxidative stress were measured.
Main Results:
- NDEA injection significantly elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and induced oxidative stress (increased LPO, decreased SOD and GSH).
- Both garlic and silymarin administration significantly reduced liver toxicity and oxidative stress markers.
- The combined administration of garlic and silymarin demonstrated a more potent hepatoprotective effect compared to individual treatments.
Conclusions:
- Garlic extract and silymarin possess significant hepatoprotective properties.
- These natural compounds exhibit a synergistic effect in preventing chemically induced liver damage.
- Silymarin and garlic hold potential as effective hepatoprotective agents against hepatotoxicity.
