hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract of syzygium aromaticum [clove] on alcohol induced hepatotoxicity in rats

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum[clove] buds in alcohol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Randomized controlled trial. Department of Pharmacology, Fatima Memorial College of Medicine and dentistry, Lahore from 1[st] July 2011 to 31[st] December 2011. The rats were divided into five groups, i.e. control group [A], ethanol positive group [B], experimental groups [C and D] and standard group [E]. Group C experimental rats received ethanol [3 g/kg body weight daily intraperitoneal injection] and ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum at 250mg/kg of body weight daily orally for a period of forty five days. Group D experimental rats received ethanol and ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum at 500 mg/kg of body weight. Group E received ethanol and silymarin [100mg/kg orally].Blood samples were taken at 45[th] day and liver in each was taken out for histopathological examination. The ethanol group rats showed variable increase in serum ALT [Alanine Transaminase], AST[Aspartate transaminase], ALP[Alkaline Phosphatase] and total bilirubin levels. In group C and group E rats the levels of these parameters become slightly decreased while in group D rats the levels decreased more towards normal. The morphological examination of experimental groups C and E rats showed slight recovery whereas the rats in experimental group D showed a significant recovery. Syzygium aromaticum constituents, especially flavonoids and polyphenols have strong anti-oxidant activity which provides hepato-protection against alcohol induced hepatotoxicity. High dose of Syzygium aromaticun ethanolic extract [500 mg/kg body weight] showed better hepatoprotection against alcohol induced hepatotoxicity than low dose Syzygium aromaticum extract and silymarin in rats