Hepatoprotective effects of Allium cepa (onion) extracts against paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats

Abstract

Liver damage due to paracetamol hepatotoxicity is a major health challenge worldwide. It is against this background that this study was designed to determine the hepatoprotective effects of the increasing dosage of Allium cepa methanolic extracts on paracetamol induced hepatotoxic rats. Fifty-four (54) adult male albino rats comprising of nine normal and 45 paracetamol hepatotoxic rats were used for this study. The experimental design was the three by three Latin square design. Paracetamol hepatotoxicity was induced by single administration of paracetamol at 750 mg/kg ip on the first day of the experiment. The different biochemical parameters assessed were determined before the start of the study and subsequently monthly for the duration of the study. Blood samples were collected from the rat through the eye monthly for analysis and serum was obtained by centrifugation (5000 rpm for 10 min) and stored at-20°C prior to analysis. The effects of duration and increasing dosages (200, 300 and 450 mg/kg) of A. cepa methanolic extracts produced a duration dependent significant (p < 0.05) reductions in the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total serum bilirubin (TSB) of paracetamol hepatotoxic rats after the duration of study when compared with those of the paracetamol, normal and silymarin control rats. A. cepa reduced alanine aminotransferase and total serum bilirubin in a dose dependent fashion whereas it reduced aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase level in a dose independent manner. A. cepa extracts studied showed potent hepatoprotective properties. It was evident that A. cepa extracts was able to reduce significantly all the elevated biochemical parameters due to paracetamol hepatotoxicity and this was collaborated by results of histopathological studies.

Hepatoprotective Potentials of Ethanolic Extract of Solanum melongena Linn Fruit on Monosodium Glutamate- Intoxicated Rats' and Liver Section Histology

“…It acts as a central hub of the cell and detoxifies toxic substances amongst other functions. Impairment of the normal liver function is reflected by alteration in some biochemical indices [14,20]. In the present study, serum ALT, AST and ALP activities in the MSG only rat fed group were significantly (P=.05) higher compared to the control group.…”

“…It is one of the most vital organs of the body. The main work of the liver is to filter the blood coming from the digestive tract, before passing it to the rest of the body [20]. It also functions as a centre for metabolism of nutrients, haematological functions, storage of minerals and vitamins, secrete bile, make blood clotting proteins and excretion of waste metabolites.…”

Modulation of Induced NAFLD Drawbacks on Hepatic and Cardiac Tissues of Rats through Choline and Some Nutraceutical Oils Supplementations

“…Similarly, Amin and Nagy [56] recorded significant high serum ALT, LDH, CK-NAC and CK-MB activities in rats fed on high fat diets. ALT and AST are cytoplasmic enzymes, released into the blood after hepatic cellular damage [57]. So, the reduction in total protein and albumin levels could be attributed to diminished synthesis resulting from hepatocellular damage [58] or stress due to the increased demand of the body to neutralize ROS provoked by high fat diet [59].…”

“…Otherwise, treated fat groups lowered the activities of the estimated marker enzymes in comparison to the F-group, denoting that choline, onion and garlic had antioxidative action toward ROS, thus preventing leakage of liver enzymes into circulation through preserving cell membrane stability [57]. In addition, choline is an essential nutrient that is required for the formation of PC, which is necessary for the integrity of the cell membranes [8].…”

Hepatotoxic Assessment of Pecralima nitida Seeds Supplemented Diet in Wistar Rats.

“…It has large glossy leathery leaves, conspicuous white flowers and large orange coloured fruits [2]. Picralima nitida is a monotypic plant exploited locally in Nigeria for its therapeutic value and equally employed as an arrow in fish poison [3]. Picralima nitida bears white flowers (about 3 cm long) with ovoid fruits [4].…”