Abstract
In the present study, we evaluated the protective activity of an aqueous extract of Artemisia absinthium against CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats. The protective activity of this extract at three doses (2.5, 5, and 10 ml/ kg, once orally) against CCl4-induced oxidative damage (1.5 ml/kg, once intraperitoneally) in rats was analyzed. Various blood and tissue biochemical studies were performed, and the administration of the toxicant significantly altered blood biochemical variables. Hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) was significantly elevated, whereas glutathione (GSH) level was considerable depleted after intoxication. Remarkable decreases in the activities of adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) after intoxication were observed. Treatment with all three doses reversed altered tissue biochemical values, but the greatest protection was observed at the lowest dose (2.5 ml/kg). The results of this study show that A. absinthium induces strong hepatoprotective activity. It decreased the hexobarbitone-induced sleep time and improved cholerectic activity (bile flow and bile solids) and excretory capacity, and it also stimulated bile secretion. The potent antioxidant activity of A. absinthium was indicated by scavenging effects on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Thus, be considered for use in reducing hepatic damage and may serve as an alternative medicine in hepatic etiologies.
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