Protective effect of linum usitatissimum aqueous extract against hepatotoxicity induced by monosodium glutamate in male rats

Abstract

Linium usitatissimum is a nutrient-rich seed and its liver function improving effect has long been studied. This study investigated the impact of Linium usitatissimum seeds extract on monosodium glutamate-induced physiological changes in albino rats. Dry seeds of Linium usitatissimum were procured in the Kerbala market in Iraq. The seeds were milled and the aqueous extract was prepared and used for the study. Forty albino rats were randomized into 4 groups of ten animals each. Group-1 (control) were orally administered 2 mL of normal saline, group-2 were orally administered with 14 mg/kg body weight of monosodium glutamate, group-3 were orally administered with 400 mg/kg body weight of Linium usitatissimum aqueous extract, group-4 were orally administered 14 mg/kg body weight of monosodium glutamate, after 4 hours of receiving 400 mg/kg body weight of Linium usitatissimum aqueous extract, daily for 30 days. The animals were sacrificed after 30 days of treatment. Blood samples were obtained in all the groups and analyzed for hepatic function indices. There was an increase in hepatic function indices of Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) serum levels in group-2, compared to the control group-1 and group-3. The enzyme levels normalized after treatment with Linium usitatissimum aqueous extract (group-4). In conclusion, Linium usitatissimum aqueous extract affected some physiological parameters induced by monosodium glutamate. The present findings suggest that the phytochemical constituents of Linium usitatissimum such as flavonoids, alpha-linolenic acid, and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) may play a role in improving liver function.