The hepatoprotective effect of gooseberry and black mulberry extracts against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

Abstract

Liver is the vital organ of the human body responsible for nutrition, immunity, and metabolism. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is an environmental pollutant that causes hepatotoxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the possible hepatoprotective effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of gooseberry and black mulberry on liver injury induced by CCl4 in rats. CCl4 caused significant (P≤0.05) elevation in the liver function tests and hydroxyproline (a major marker of fibrosis); also, there was a significant increase in the hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and plasma inflammatory biomarkers, whereas a significant decrease in the hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and plasma adiponectin levels was observed in the CCl4-treated group compared with control. These results were also confirmed by histological examination of liver tissue. Administration of gooseberry or black mulberry extracts alone decreased the hepatic level of hydroxyproline, ameliorated the antioxidant/oxidant status in liver tissue, and decreased the pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to normal control. Treatment with the tested extracts along with CCl4 was effectively able to ameliorate the abovementioned imbalances induced by CCl4 and protect the liver tissue. These results indicate that gooseberry and black mulberry extracts have a hepatoprotective effect against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats.