Contexts: Exposure to environmental pollutants such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) causes liver
injuries. There are claims that extracts from Syzygium aromaticum (Linn.) Merrill & L.M.Perry,
(Myrtaceae) protects from such injuries.
Objective: This study investigates the protective effects of cold-pressed S. aromaticum oil (CO)
against CCl4-induced liver toxicity in rats.
Materials and methods: CO was orally administered to rats in two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) along
with CCl4 (1 mL/kg in olive oil) for 8 weeks. Indices of liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, and
peroxidation were evaluated in rats’ serum and tissues. Fatty acids and bioactive lipids of CO were
analyzed.
Results: High levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (39.7%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (42.1%)
were detected in CO. The oil contained high amounts of tocols and phenolics. The LD50 value at 24
h was approximately 5950 mg/kg. Treatment with 200 mg/kg CO resulted in a decrease of
creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels to 0.86, 32.6, and 2.99 mg/dL, respectively. Levels of TL, TC,
TAG, LDL-C, and VLDL-C were decreased to 167, 195.3, 584.5, 74.6, and 39.0 mg/L, respectively, after
8 weeks of treatment. Hepatic malondialdehyde levels were reduced and glutathione levels were
elevated in CO-treated rats. CO reduced the activities of AST, ALT, and ALP as well as kidney
function markers, protein, and lipid profiles, respectively. Histopathological examination of liver
indicated that CO treatment reduced fatty degenerations, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and necrosis.
Conclusion: CO possessed a protective effect against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, mediated
possibly by the antioxidant properties of the oil |
