Eryngium Bungei Boiss Extract Has Hepatoprotective Effect Against Liver Damage Induced by Acetaminophen in Rats: Novel Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Background: Acetaminophen-induced toxicity is a common cause of acute liver failure. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of Eryngium bungei Boiss (EB) extract against the hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: Thirty adult male rats were randomly assigned to five groups, with free access to water and food. They were treated as follows: Group 1 (negative controls): distilled water (DW); Group 2 (positive controls): DW for 7 days and a single dose of 500 mg/kg BW acetaminophen orally on day 8th; Groups 3, 4 and 5 (experimental groups): received EB extract mixed in DW at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day orally for 7 days plus 500 mg/kg acetaminophen on the 8th day. On the 9thday, blood and liver samples were collected from all rats. Results:   The EB extract improved the adverse histological changes in the rats’ livers and resulted in reduced serum ALT and ALP enzymes. Oxidative stress was noted in the liver tissue in Group 2. Pretreatment with EB extract reduced MDA concentration and increased GSH levels, compared to that for Group 2. The extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg/day significantly increased SOD activity, compared to that for Group 2. The IL-1β and TNF-α levels increased significantly in Group 2, compared to those in Group 1. Administration of EB extract in Groups 3, 4 and 5 significantly decreased the IL-1β and TNF-α parameters. Conclusions: The hepatoprotective effects of EB extract appears to be linked to its glutathione-mediated detoxification, free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties.