Pecan pericarp extract protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury through oxidative mechanism in rats

The purpose of this study was to quantify the proanthocyanidin content of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) pericarp extract (PPE) and to assess its useful impacts against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group 1: received intraperitoneal injection of saline solution, Group 2: was injected with PPE (25 mg/kg body weight) for 10 consecutive days, Group 3: received CCl₄ (0.5 ml/kg, subcutaneous injection), Group 4: was coadministred with PPE + CCl₄. The CCl₄ was administered every 3 days during 10 days. Results revealed the presence of a high amount of total proanthocyanidins in the PPE (81.01 ± 0.21 mg TAE.g^-1DW). CCl₄ injection induced significant reductions in hepatic antioxidants but increased hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) as well as serum injury biomarkers. However, cotreatment with PPE significantly (P < 0.05) inverted CCl₄-induced increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities, respectively to 74%, 77%, 60%, and 82% compared with CCl₄ group. No significant toxic effects were observed following treatment with plant extract alone. PPE cotreatment also decreased significant (P < 0.05) the hepatic malondialdehyde formation (21%) and enhanced the liver catalase activity (107%) in CCl₄-intoxicated rats. The histopathological examination showed inflammatory infiltration and degenerative changes in the hepatic tissue following CCl₄ injection. The hepatoprotective activity of PPE against CCl₄ exposure was supported by the maintenance of structural integrity of liver histopathology. In conclusion, the current study illustrated that PPE pretreatment significantly improved all examined parameters, restored the hepatic architecture and successfully alleviates oxidative damage induced by CCl₄ intoxication.