Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of Ruta chalepensis L. plant on liver enzymes, liver weight and lipid peroxidation using rats toxified with paracetamol. An animal experiment was conducted using five groups of Sprague Dawley rats, 9 rats each. The groups were fed: Normal diet, high cholesterol diet, with or without the plant or the liver toxicant paracetamol (PCM). The experiment lasted six weeks; at the end of the sixth week; a single dose of 3 g paracetamol/kg body weight was given for rats of two groups, then blood and liver samples were collected. The hepatoprotective effect of the plant was evaluated using aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin (TBL) levels as indicators. This study finds that the groups to which plant and PCM were given had significantly lower MDA levels in comparison with other groups that didn’t receive plant before PCM toxification. Tested liver enzymes levels were significantly (P < 0.05) lowered by the introduction of plant to the diet. Introducing PCM without ingestion of plant in the diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased the rats absolute liver weight. It is concluded that the use of Ruta chalepensis L. plant significantly lowered hepatic toxicity as indicated by the liver enzymes levels. Also, the plant lowered the MDA level and liver weight. The ingestion of the plant can be significantly protective against hepatic injury.

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