Protective Effect of Urtica dioica on Liver Injury Induced by Hepatic Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Background: This study was designed to investigate the effects of Urtica dioica on liver ischemia reperfusion injury in rats. Methods: Thirty male Wistar-albino rats were used in this experimental study. Animals were divided into three groups as sham operated (group 1), control (group 2), and Urtica dioica treatment group (group 3). Urtica dioica 2ml/kg were administered intraperitoneally before ischemia and immediately after the reperfusion. The levels of total antioxidant capacity, total free sulfidril group, Total oxidant status, Oxidative stress index, and myeloperoxidase in liver tissues were measured. The serum levels of ALT, AST and LDH were also measured Results: Total antioxidant capacity and total free sulfidril group in liver tissue were significantly higher in group 3 than in group 2. Oxidative stress index and myeloperoxidase in liver tissue were significantly lower in group 3 than the group 2. The levels of liver enzymes in treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Histological tissue damage was milder in the treatment group than that in the control group. Conclusion: It is concluded that Urtica dioica increase the antioxidant capacity and decrease oxidative stress and liver enzymes in the hepatic ischemi reperfusion injury of rats.