Hepatoprotective and Curative Activities of Daphne Gnidium L. Aqueous Extract Against CCl4-Induced Liver Injury in Rats

Background: The liver is one of the largest organs of the human body and the main site for intense metabolism and excretion. Liver injury or dysfunction is recognized as a serious worldwide health problem. Daphne gnidium L., a medicinal plant widely distributed in Algeria and used by populations in traditional medicine to treat hepatitis and other diseases. Objective: Protective and curative effects of aqueous extract of Daphne gnidium L. leaves were investigated against Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic damage in rats (Wistar Albino). Methods: This study was conducted on 32 Albino rats, which were divided into four groups; the first served as control. Group II animals were treated intraperitoneally with CCl4 solution (3ml/ kg). Group III animals were treated intraperitoneally with CCl4 solutions (3ml/kg) on the first day, and given aqueous Daphne extract orally at a dose level of (300 mg/kg) daily for 7 days (curative activity test). Animals of group IV were orally administered aqueous Daphne extract at a dose level of (300 mg/kg) daily, and on the seventh day treated intraperitoneally with CCl4 solution (3ml/ kg) 3 hours after the latest extract administration (preventive activity test). Results: Our results show that CCl4 significantly increases the relative liver weight, serum values of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and Total bilirubin, as well as the hepatic rate of oxidative stress parameters; MDA and CAT activities, and significantly decreases hepatic GSH levels compared to the control group. These results were confirmed by liver lesions observed in histological analyses. Pretreatment and curative treatment of dose 300 mg/kg of aqueous Daphne gnidium L. extract significantly reduced relative weight, serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and Total bilirubin liver rate, CAT activity, and increases GSH level. In addition, normal liver architecture has been restored. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the hepatoprotective and curative effects of aqueous extract Daphne gnidium leaves against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats by improving the antioxidant status in tissues (liver) and ameliorating the harmful effects induced by CCl4.