Hepatoprotective Activity of Cordia lutea Lam Flower Extracts Against Paracetamol‑Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

Background: Paracetamol or acetaminophen overdose leads to hepatotoxicity. This study evaluates the effect of Cordia lutea extract on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: Three different doses of dry fluid extract of C. lutea (200, 400 and 600 mg / Kg) were evaluated and compared with Silymarin 200 mg / Kg. Biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, total bilirubin, albumin, globulin and total proteins were evaluated, and histopathological changes in the liver were studied and evaluated. Results: C. lutea reduced the levels of ALT, AST, ALP and increases proteins significantly, although the reduction of bilirubin was not significant, the extract at 400 mg / Kg reduced the levels better than the extract at 600 mg / Kg. The histopathological evaluation suggested that C. lutea extract reduced paracetamol-induced liver necrosis. Conclusions: The extract of C. lutea has a marked hepatoprotective effect, significantly reducing the levels of ALT, AST and ALP, in addition to increasing the levels of albumin, globulin and total proteins, in Rattus norvegicus var. albinus. C. lutea extract is an excellent candidate for use in paracetamol-induced liver diseases. Key words: Cordia lutea, Paracetamol, Acetaminophen, Hepatoprotection, Biochemical parameters, Histopathology.