Effect of Oleo-gum-resin on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Numerous plant resin content essential oils with terpenes and sesquiterpenes have shown hepatoprotective activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of Oleo-gum-resin (OGR) in rats. The hepatoprotective activity of OGR was evaluated in rats by assessing the ethanol-induced oxidative stress estimating alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphates (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), triglycerides (TG) and Total Cholesterol (TC) in plasma. In liver, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), total protein, TG and TC levels were estimated. Enzymatic activities were increased in plasma after ethanol administration and that was dose dependently decreased in OGR treated alcoholic animals. Similar effect was seen in lipid and MDA levels. Nucleic acids, GSH levels, SOD and CAT activities decreased by alcohol and protected with OGR treatments in dose dependent manner. The observed attenuation to ethanol's effect may be related to the biochemical changes induced, possibly, under the influence of different constituents (cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and terpenoids) of the OGR. However, OGR can contribute to alleviate the adverse effect of ethanol ingestion by enhancing the lipid metabolism and the hepatic antioxidant defense system.