Hepatoprotective and Reno-protective Effects of Artichoke Leaf Extract and Rosemary Extract against Paracetamol Induced Toxicity in Albino Rats

Background: Paracetamol overdose is a predominant cause of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in both humans and experimental animals. There is an emerging focus on plant products to find a highly effective and reliable drug for the prevention of paracetamol –induced toxicity.

Objective: In this study, we investigated the Hepatoprotective and Reno-protective Effects of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) Leaf extract and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) extract against paracetamol Induced toxicity in Albino Rats.

Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into five groups: Negative control, paracetamol (1000 mg/kg dose) PCT, artichoke leaf extract “ALE” (1.5  g/kg, orally + paracetamol for 30 d), rosemary extract “RE” (125  mg/kg + paracetamol for 30 days) and the last group was treated with PCT+ ALE+ RE for 30 days.

Results: Paracetamol caused marked liver damage as noted by significant increased activities of serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase. Paracetamol also raised serum levels of urea, creatinine, and Cystatin-C. In addition, there was a significant decrease in serum total protein and albumin. Paracetamol caused an elevation in lipid peroxidation paralleled with significant decline in reduced glutathione (GSH) level and activities of glutathione-S- transferase (GST), glutathione (GPX) peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver and kidney. These results are confirmed in the histological examination of the liver and kidney.

Conclusion: Treatment with artichoke leaf extract (ALE) and rosemary extract (RE) produced a potential protection of the liver and kidney against biochemical and histological alterations and oxidative stress induced by paracetamol.