Protective effect of Amaranthus spinosus against d-galactosamine/ lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatic failure

Abstract

The current study is an effort to identify the hepatoprotective activity of the 50% ethanol extract of the whole plant of Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (Amaranthaceae) against d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (d-GalN/LPS)-induced liver injury in rats. d-GalN/LPS (300mg/kg body weight/30 g/kg body weight)-induced hepatic damage was manifested by a significant (p <0.05) increase in the activities of marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and gamma glutamyl transferase) and bilirubin level in serum while phospholipids significantly decreased. All other parameters, i.e. cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids were increased significantly in both serum and liver compared to the control group. Pretreatment of rats with A. spinosus extract (400mg/kg) significantly (p <0.05) reversed these altered parameters to normal compared to the intoxicated group. The biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. There were no significant changes in the activities of marker enzymes, bilirubin level and lipids in the rats treated with A. spinosus extract alone. Results of this study revealed that A. spinosus extract could afford a significant protection against d-GalN/LPS-induced hepatocellular injury. © 2010 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.