Euphorbia dracunculoides L. abrogates carbon tetrachloride induced liver and DNA damage in rats

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of Euphorbia dracunculoides of family Euphorbiaceae during previous studies had established the in vitro antioxidant and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. The plant is used by the local communities of Pakistan for various disorders including rheumatism and edema. In this investigation we have evaluated the hepatoprotective effects against CCl(4) induced toxicity in rat. METHODS: Dry powder of the aerial parts of E. dracunculoides was extracted with 95% methanol to get the extract (EDME). To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of EDME the Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided in to 8 groups with 6 rats in each. Group I and II were the normal and vehicle treated while the Groups III-VI were injected intraperitoneally with 1 ml of CCl(4) (30% in olive oil). Rats of Group IV were orally administered with silymarin (50 mg/kg) while the Group V and VI with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of EDME, respectively. Animals of Group VII (200 mg/kg) and VIII (400 mg/kg) were treated with EDME alone. The treatments were given thrice a week for 4 weeks. Effects of EDME were evaluated for the protective effects against oxidative stress and genotoxicity induced with CCl(4) in liver of rat. RESULTS: Analysis of serum indicated significant (p < 0.05) rise in the level of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and globulin whereas decrease was recorded for the total protein and albumin in CCl(4) treated rats. In liver tissues the activity level of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione (GSH) was decreased while the level of lipid peroxides; thiobarbituric acid reactant substances (TBARS), nitrite and hydrogen peroxide increased in CCl(4) treated rats as compared to the control group. Histopathological injuries and DNA damages were recorded in liver of rat with CCl(4) treatment. However, co-administration of EDME, dose dependently, ameliorated the CCl(4)-induced hepatic toxicity in these parameters. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that the phyto-constituents of EDME were able to ameliorate the oxidative stress induced with CCl(4) and can be a useful therapeutic agent for oxidative stress related disorders.