ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study is the evaluation of possible hepatoprotective effects of Garlic and Nigella extract in albino rats. Nerium oleander plant is widely cultivated in Egypt and is considered the major cause of children's admission to hospital after accidental ingestion. Previous studies indicated that the plant produced impairment of hepatic and renal function. In the present study we investigated the possible effects of both oily extracts of garlic [Allium sativum, 6.6 mg/kg, orally] and black seed [Nigella sativa oil [NSO] 100 mg/kg, orally] on some hepatic toxic effects that were induced by intraperitoneal injection [i.p.] of Nerium oleander dried leaves extract [10 mg/kg] for 10 and 20 days. The results of this study were divided into three parts as follows: The first one of study showed that daily intraperitoneal injection [i.p.] of Nerium oleander leaves extract, sublethal dose [10 mg/kg] for 10 and 20 days produced a significant increase in liver enzymes activities [AST, ALT and ALP] whereas, albumin and albumin / globulin ratio were significantly decreased in 20 days while total proteins, globulin were not significantly increased in both 10 and 20 days. Histopathology of liver showed marked toxic manifestation on hepatocytes in the form of nuclear fragmentation [pyknotic]. The second one of the study showed that the simultaneous daily supplementation of garlic oily extract [6.6 mg/kg,orally] with [i.p] Nerium oleander extract [10 mg/kg, b.wt.] for 10 and 20 days produced significant reductions of liver enzymes AST and ALT whereas ALP was significantly reduced in 20 days. Albumin was significantly increased in 20 days. Total protein, globulin, albumin/globulin [ratio] were not significantly changed. Histopathology of liver showed marked improvement of hepatocytes and recovery changes are more marked in hepatic tissues. The third one showed that simultaneous daily supplementation of higella saliva oil [100 mg/kg] with [i.p.] Nerium oleander extract [10 mg /kg] for 10 and 20 days produced a significant reduction of alkaline phosphatase while all other parameters of the study were not significantly changed [10 days]. However, 20 days NSO produced significant reduction of AST, ALT, ALP, while albumin was significantly increased. As regards total proteins, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, they were not significantly changed. Histopathology of the liver showed recovery manifestation of liver cells less than that observed with garlic extract. These results allow us to recommend the supplementation of either garlic or NSO or both in toxic liver affection disorders