Hepatoprotective Effects of N-Acetylcysteine and Tephrosia purpurea, Alone and in Combination, in a Rat Model of Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22317/jcms.v12i3.2188Keywords:
Hepatotoxicity, Acetylcysteine, Tephrosia purpurea, Liver Function Tests, HistologyAbstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Tephrosia purpurea extract alone and in combination with N-acetylcysteine against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats.
Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight experimental groups (n = 6 per group): normal control, olive oil negative control, CCl4-positive control, CCl4+NAC, three CCl4+Tephrosia purpurea groups (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), and a CCl4+NAC+Tephrosia purpurea (200 mg/kg) group.
Results: Histopathological examination revealed severe hepatic necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and disruption of normal hepatic architecture in the CCl4-positive control group. In contrast, pretreatment with Tephrosia purpurea markedly attenuated these pathological alterations in a dose-dependent manner, with the combined administration of NAC and Tephrosia purpurea providing the most pronounced histological protection and preservation of hepatic tissue architecture. Similarly, biochemical analyses demonstrated significant protection against CCl4-induced liver injury, as evidenced by improved liver function markers and attenuation of hepatic injury in the treated groups.
Conclusion: Overall, Tephrosia purpurea exhibited significant dose-dependent hepatoprotective activity, which was further enhanced when administered in combination with NAC.
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