Supplementation of Psidium Guajava Leaves Powder Prevents Hepatotoxicity and Inflammation in Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-Administered Rats

Aims and Objective: Various studies revealed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Psidium guajava leaves. This present study reported the anti-inflammatory and protective effects of Psidium guajava leaves on Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced rat liver. Methods: In this study, Long Evans female rats (150-180 g) were divided into four groups. CCl4 in olive oil was given orally by gavage at a dose of 1 mL/kg and Psidium guajava leave powder was provided as 2.5% w/w of food. Liver marker enzyme activity was monitored by evaluating the alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline Phosphatases (ALP) in plasma. The plasma and liver tissue concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), Nitric Oxide (NO), advanced protein oxidation product (APOP), glutathione (GSH, in reduced form) and activity of catalase were measured as an oxidative stress marker. Results: The results of this study suggested the serum transferase activities were increased in CCl4 administered rat, which was normalized by Psidium guajava leaves supplementation. Moreover, oxidative stress markers were significantly reduced and antioxidant enzyme activity was significantly improved by Psidium guajava leaves supplementation in CCl4 administered rat. Hematoxylin and Eosin and Picrosirius Red staining of liver section revealed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis, respectively by Psidium guajava leaves supplementation in CCl4 administered rats. Conclusion: In conclusion, Psidium guajava leaves may prevent liver damage and inflammation in CCl4-administered rats, which indicated strong antioxidant capacity. Thus, Psidium guajava leaves could be a source of natural antioxidants. Further study is required for using Psidium guajava leaves in the clinical case of liver dysfunction.