Antihepatotoxic effect of Punica granatum acetone extract against isoniazid- and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity

Abstract

The current study investigated the effect of 70% acetone extract of Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae; pomegranate family) fruits on hepatic marker enzymes, antioxidants, and tissue peroxidative damage during isoniazid- and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity. Isoniazid and rifampicin (each at doses of 50 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) for 15 days caused liver injury in rats that was manifested by significant elevation in the level of lipid peroxides, serum hepatic marker enzymes (glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase), and by a significant decrease in the enzymic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase) and nonenzymic antioxidants (reduced glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E). Cotreatment with 70% acetone extract of Punica granatum fruits significantly prevented these alterations and restored the enzyme activities and lipid peroxides to near normalcy. These findings demonstrate the hepatoprotective potential of the acetone extract of Punica granatum fruits on tissue defense systems during isoniazid- and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. ©2007 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.