effect of saffron, basil, and red cabbage on rats with hepatic damage

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of saffron [Crocus sativus], basil [Ocimum sanctum], and red cabbage[ Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra] on hepatic damage in rats. Seventy two adult male albino rats of Sprague-Dawley were divided into two main groups. The first main group [n=8] was kept as a negative control group [-ve].The rest of the animals [n=64] were subcutaneously injected with a single dose of CCL4 for the induction of necrosis. After injection of CCL4, rats were divided into 8 subgroups [n=8]. The first subgroup of rats continued as a positive control group [+ve]. the other subgroup were fed on the experimental diets containing different levels of saffron, basil, red cabbage and their mixtures. At the end of the experiment a period, liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, ALP, gamma glutamile transpeptidase [GGT], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] were determined. Total protein, albumin, total and direct billirubin were determined. As well as histopathological examinations of organs [ liver and kidney]. Results indicated that feed intake was improved in all groups except group of rats fed on experimental diet containing 10% saffron. Body weight gain and feed efficiency ratio of ll groups were decreased when compared with negative control group moreover, liver enzymes ALT, AST, ALP in addition GGT, LDH, albumin, total and direct billirubin were decreased in the treated groups compared with positive control group. This study concluded that saffron, basil and red cabbage have a protective effect against hepatic damage in rats. This study recommends the inclusion of saffron, basil and red cabbage in the meals of patients with hepatic damage for possible beneficial effect