Hepatoprotective effects of Juglans regia extract against CCl₄-induced oxidative damage in rats

Abstract

Context: Different parts of the walnut [Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae)] have been used in folk medicine for protection against liver injury, although its actual efficacy remains uncertain. Objective: The present study investigated the protective effect of walnut leaf extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced liver damage in rats. Materials and methods: The rats were randomly divided into seven groups: control, CCl 4 (i.p., 0.5 mL/kg b.w., 50% CCl 4 in olive oil), walnut extract (at dose level of 0.2 g/kg b.w.) alone, walnut extract (at dose levels of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg b.w.) with CCl 4 , and treatment was carried out accordingly. On the 28th day, rats were sacrificed and blood was withdrawn by cardiac puncture. Liver damage was assessed by serum biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and albumin), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and histopathological observation. Results: Administration of walnut leaf extract (ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 g/kg b.w.) significantly lowered serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels in CCl 4 -treated rats. Walnut leaf extract increased antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and catalase. Histopathological examination of livers showed that walnut leaves extract reduced fatty degeneration, cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis in CCl 4 -treated rats. Discussion and conclusion: These results suggest that walnut extract has a protective effect over CCl 4 -induced oxidative damage in rat liver. These results demonstrate that walnut extract acts as a good hepatoprotective and antioxidant agent in attenuating hepatocellular damage.

Cytotoxicity of Triterpenes from Green Walnut Husks of Juglans mandshurica Maxim in HepG-2 Cancer Cells

“…For instance, Ren and Meng reported the use of GHJ drug cocktail therapy in the treatment of liver cancer [20]. Eidi investigated the protective effect of walnut extracts against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in rats [21]. Their results indicated that GHJ had an important role in assisting chemotherapeutic drugs to inhibit liver tumor metastasis and acting as a good hepatoprotective and antioxidant agent in attenuating hepatocellular damage.…”

Vitamin B12supplement alleviatesN′-nitrosodimethylamine-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

“…Under laboratory conditions, a number of chemical compounds such as CCl 4 , thioacetamide and N 0 -nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) induce hepatic fibrosis (Bruck et al, 2001;Eidi et al, 2013;George et al, 2001;Krajka-Kuzniak et al, 2012). However, N 0 -nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) has the advantage of inducing fibrosis within shortest duration of 21 days, with lesser animal mortality and better reproducibility (George & Chandrakasan, 1996).…”

Seasonal variation of the main individual phenolics and juglone in walnut (Juglans regia) leaves

“…There are many studies regarding pharmaceutical effects of walnut leaf (Kaumar et al, 2003); therefore it can be a good candidate for using it as antimicrobial agent against bacteria responsible for human gastro-intestinal and respiratory tract infections (Pereira et al, 2007) and antiproliferative effects (Salimi et al, 2012). Eidi et al (2013) demonstrate that walnut extract acts as a good hepatoprotective and antioxidant agent in attenuating hepatocellular damage. Ellagic acid, a phenolic acid, is a major component of walnuts, and it has been suggested that it exerts antiatherogenic, anticarcinogenic and antioxidative properties (Anderson et al, 2001;Mertens-Talcott et al, 2003;Narayanan et al, 1999).…”