A Stereological and Biochemical Examination: Hepatoprotective Activity of Anthemis odontostephana Boiss. Ethanol Extract Against CCl4-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

Background and objectives: In Iranian traditional medicine, Anthemis odontostephana Boiss has been used in treating gastric ulcers, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases. In the present study, hepatoprotective activity of A. odontostephana ethanol extract (AOEE) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in male mice has been evaluated.  Methods: In the present experimental study, Sixty male mice were divided into six groups (n=10); Group I was considered as control, received 1 mL/kg olive oil intraperitoneally and 0.5 mL distilled water through gavage. Group II was considered as untreated group, received 1 mg/kg CCl4 mixed with olive oil in the ratio of 1:1, intraperitoneally and 0.5 mL distilled water orally. Group III, IV, V and VI received CCl4 mixed with olive oil in the ratio of 1:1 intraperitoneally and 20, 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg of AOEE through gavage for 45 continuous days. On the last day, the animals of all groups were euthanized and blood and liver were collected for assessing biochemical and histological parameters. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Duncan’s tests. Results: Different doses of AOEE (especially AOEE160) could significantly (p<0.05) decrease the raised volumes of liver sub compartments and the raised levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) as compared to the untreated group. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, AOEE can regulate the biochemical parameters and inhibits hepatic damages in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.