Abstract
BACKGROUND: The liver is crucial for maintaining normal metabolism in the body. Various substances, such as toxic chemicals, drugs, and alcohol, can damage hepatocyte cells, leading to metabolic imbalances. AIM: The experiment aimed to determine the efficacy of Lagenaria siceraria seed oil (LSS) as a hepatoprotective agent against acute hepatotoxicity triggered by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)). METHODS: A total of 20 rats were randomly separated into four groups. The control group: rats received 2 ml of distilled water orally, followed by 1.25 ml of olive oil intraperitoneally (i.p.) after 30 minutes. CCL(4) group: rats were given a single intraperitoneal dose of 1.25 ml/kg b.w. of CCl(4) in a 1:1 mixture with olive oil. Silymarin group: received 100 mg of silymarin per kg of b.w. diluted in 2 ml of distilled water orally, followed by CCl(4) treatment after 30 minutes. LSS oil group: received LSS oil at 3g/kg b.w. orally, followed by CCl(4) treatment after 30 minutes. Blood samples were collected to assess liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP), proteins and bilirubin fractions, and redox status (catalase, reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA)) were assessed in hepatic tissues. Changes in liver histopathological examination were also evaluated. RESULTS: In CCl4-treated rats, there was a significant increase in serum liver marker enzyme activity (ALP, AST, and ALT) along with a significant elevation (p < 0.05) in total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, and direct bilirubin compared to the control rats. However, all these parameters decreased in the CCl(4)+ Silymarin and CCl(4)+LSS groups compared to CCl(4)-treated rats. There was a significant decline in total protein level and serum albumin in all experimental groups compared to the control, while globulin levels significantly increased in all experimental groups. There was a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the level of GSH and catalase, with an increase in MDA level in CCl(4) rats compared to other rats. Histopathological investigation of the LSS-treated group showed a hepatoprotective effect against CCl(4). CONCLUSION: The study revealed that LSS oil has antioxidant activity against CCl(4)-induced toxicity.