Effects of Csyera Oil and Nutgrass Oil on Liver Function and Histopathology in Heat-Stressed Local Male Rabbits

To evaluate the protective effects of Csyera oil (gum tragacanth; derived from Astragalus gummifer) and nutgrass oil (Cyperus rotundus), administered individually or in combination, on body weight and liver function in heat-stressed male rabbits.

Twenty-four local male rabbits were randomly assigned to four equal groups (n = 6 per group). The control group received 0.2 ml normal saline orally. The second group received Csyera oil (0.2 ml/kg body weight), the third group received nutgrass oil (0.2 ml/kg), and the fourth group received a combination of both oils (0.1 ml/kg each). All treatments were administered orally for 15 consecutive days under heat stress conditions. Body weight was recorded, and liver function was evaluated by measuring serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Histopathological examination of liver tissue was also performed.

The combination treatment significantly increased body weight compared with the control and single-treatment groups (P < 0.01). Serum AST, ALT, and MDA levels were significantly reduced in the combined-treatment group compared with all other groups (P < 0.01), indicating improved liver function and reduced oxidative stress. Rabbits treated with Csyera oil alone showed mild inflammatory infiltration and vascular dilatation, whereas those treated with nutgrass oil alone exhibited marked collagen fiber proliferation and replacement of hepatic tissue. In contrast, the combined-treatment group demonstrated near-normal hepatic architecture with minimal pathological alterations.

Combined oral administration of Csyera oil and nutgrass oil at 0.1 ml/kg each was more effective in protecting liver function and reducing heat stress-induced oxidative damage than either oil administered alone at 0.2 ml/kg.