Hepatoprotective potential of cynara scolymus in cisplatin induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The present investigation was aimed to determine the alterations in antioxidant, biochemical and histopathological parameters in cisplatin (cDDP) induced hepatotoxicity and its protection by treatment with hydroalcoholic extract of C. scolymus. Cisplatin (12 mg/kg BW) induced hepatotoxic rats were treated with quercetin (50 mg/ kg BW), hydro-alcoholic floral extract (150 and 300 mg/kg, BW) by oral gavage. Daily oral administration of the extract for 3 days in rats significantly attenuated altered hepatic biomarkers (ALT, AST and ALP) and anti-oxidant biomarkers (TTH, MDA, CAT, SOD, GP_X, GST and GR). Pre and post treatment with plant extract at the rate of 150 and 300 mg/kg attenuated the altered levels of various enzymatic and oxidative parameters in blood and hepatic tissue but extract at higher dose levels (300 mg/kg) was more effective in restoring these parameters. These finding corroborated with reduced degenerative and necrotic changes of hepatic tissue as indicated in histopathological studies. Reduced hepatic, oxidative biomarkers and histopathological alterations indicate a good hepatoprotective potential of C. scolymus extract in cDDP induced hepatotoxicity in rats.