Study the Effect of Prosopis cineraria Seeds on Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Albino Rats

Abstract

Background: Drug-induced liver injury remains a major health concern, with paracetamol (acetaminophen) being one of the leading causes of hepatotoxicity when consumed in overdose. The present study investigates the hepatoprotective potential of Prosopis Cineraria seed extract against paracetamol-induced liver damage in albino rats.

Methods: Adult Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups (n=6). Group I served as the normal control, receiving only the vehicle. Group II received paracetamol (2 g/kg body weight) to induce hepatotoxicity. Group III was treated with standard drug silymarin (100 mg/kg) following paracetamol administration. Groups IV and V were pretreated with ethanolic extract of Prosopis Cineraria seeds at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively, before paracetamol administration. Serum levels of hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), total bilirubin, and liver histopathology were evaluated to assess hepatoprotective activity.

Results: Paracetamol administration significantly elevated liver enzymes and total bilirubin levels compared to the control group (p < 0.001), indicating hepatic damage. Pretreatment with Prosopis Cineraria extract resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in these markers, with the 400 mg/kg dose showing comparable effects to silymarin. Histopathological examination supported these findings, revealing reduced hepatic necrosis and inflammation in extract-treated groups.

Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Prosopis Cineraria seeds exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol-induced liver injury in albino rats. These findings suggest that Prosopis Cineraria may serve as a potential natural therapeutic agent for managing liver disorders.

Keywords: Prosopis cineraria, Hepatotoxicity, Paracetamol, Hepatoprotective effect, Albino rats, Ethanolic extract, Liver enzymes, Silymarin, Histopathology, Herbal hepatoprotective agent.