Effect of Carthamus tinctorius L extract on diethylnitrosamine-induced liver cirrhosis in rats

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the effects of Carthamus tinctorius L. extract (CTLE) on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)- induced liver cirrhosis in rats. Methods: CTLE was obtained by extracting the dried Carthamus tinctorius L. in water. Liver cirrhosis was induced by injecting the rats with DEN once a week for 8 weeks. Following this treatment, clinical biochemical assessments, as well as oxidative stress test and histopathological examination were performed. Results: Compared with the control group, plasma concentrations of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) both decreased significantly (p < 0.01) after 8 weeks. The degree of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and necrosis decreased in CTLE-treated rats. CTLE significantly inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutases (SOD) in DEN-induced rat liver (p < 0.01) compared with control group. Conclusion: CTLE has significant inhibitory effect on diethylnitrosamine-induced liver cirrhosis in rats, which can be developed for future clinical applications.