Protective effect of ellagic acid against lead induced hepatotoxicity

Lead is one of the earliest heavy metals discovered by human. The widespread use of lead has led to manifold rise in the occurrence of free lead in biological systems and the inert environment. The liver is the critical organ after long-term occupational or environmental exposure to lead and excessive exposure may cause severe hepatotoxic effects. The lead induced hepatotoxicity study was carried out in adult male wister albino rats. Rat doses of Ellagic acid were selected as 50mg/kg and 25mg/kg through oral route. After acclimatization, the animals were randomly divided into 4 groups of 8 animals in each and received normal saline, lead acetate, high and low doses of ellagic acid along with lead acetate respectively for 28 days. Serum enzymes such as AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin and lipid levels were measured by semi-autoanalyser. Antioxidants like SOD, Catalase, TBARS and GSH activity were measured in liver tissue homogenate. Remaining livers were subjected for histological examination. Observed results suggested dose dependent beneficial effects for EA against lead acetate induced hepatotoxicity and it was concluded that EA exhibited dose-dependent protection against lead induced hepatoxicity.