Protective Effect of Cynara scolymus L. on Blood Biochemical Parameters and Liver Histopathological Changes in Phenylhydrazine-induced Hemolytic Anemia in Rats

Background: Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) possesses bioactive components with antioxidant effects. This plant has been widely used in traditional medicine.  Objectives: The current study aimed to examine the protective activity of Hydroethanolic Extract of Cynara scolymus (HECS) against experimentally-induced hemolytic anemia in rats. Methods: Hemolytic anemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of Phenylhydrazine (PHZ) 40 mg/kg for 2 days. PHZ induces oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species formation, which causes hemolytic anemia. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n=6 for each group). Group 1 (normal control) was injected with normal saline. Group 2 (anemic control) received only PHZ. Groups 3 to 5 were injected with 100, 200, 400 mg/kg of the HECS by gavage, respectively, daily from day 2 to day 15 after PHZ administration. At the end of the treatment period, their blood and liver samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Results: The results indicated that serum Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the PHZ (anemic) group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). A significant decrease in serum liver enzymes was determined in rats treated with HECS at different doses compared with the untreated anemic rats (P<0.05). Also, HECS significantly attenuated body weight loss in the PHZ group (P<0.05). Besides, based on the histopathological evaluation, HECS improved disarrangements of the liver parenchyma due to PHZ-induced hepatotoxicity. Conclusion: HECS has hepatoprotective effects against PHZ-induced toxicity presumably by its antioxidative activity.