protective effect of hydro alcoholic extract of Aloysia citriodora against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats via assessment of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers

Objective: Chronic ethanol consumption has significant negative effects on liver tissue. Mechanisms of ethanol toxicity include oxidative stress and inflammation. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the lemon verbena have been proven in studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of hydro alcoholic extract of Aloysia citriodora (AC) on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats by evaluating inflammatory factors and oxidative stress. Methods: The animals were randomly divided into 7 groups of 6 (42 mice in total) including control, extract alone (400mg/kg), the third group was ethanol at a dose of 10 mg/kg, the fourth group was vitamin C at a dose of 500 mg/kg with ethanol at a dose of 10 mg/kg and the fifth, sixth and seventh groups respectively received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of AC extract with ethanol as intraperitoneal injection once a day for 6 weeks. Oxidative stress parameters such as glutathione content, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl and reactive oxygen species were measured. Also, inflammation parameter (nitric oxide) and evaluation of liver damage by determining the levels of liver enzymes ALT, AST, and alkaline phosphate (ALP) were done. Also, a part of liver tissue was removed and used for pathological examinations. Results: In the liver tissue of the ethanol-receiving group, a significant increase (P <0.001) was observed in ALT, AST and ALP levels, and pathological changes. There was also a significant increase in the levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors. Interestingly, AC extract had a protective effect against ethanol-induced liver damage by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation factors. Conclusion: Aloysia citriodora extract significantly inhibited inflammation and oxidative stress caused by ethanol. Therefore, it can be suggested to prevent ethanol -induced hepatotoxicity