Protective Effect of Sorrel Extract on Adult Rats Treated by Carbon Tetrachloride

CONTEXT: Heart, kidneys, and liver are the vital organs present in vertebrates and some other animals. They have a wide range of functions, such as maintaining homeostasis, detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemical, that are necessary for digestion and maintaining circulation. These organs are necessary for the survival, and currently, there are no means to compensate for the absence of their functionalities in a long term. The damage of liver can affect other vital organs, including kidneys and heart. AIMS: This study aimed at investigating the effect of sorrel extract in the treatment of some of the diseases of liver, kidneys, and heart using experimental animals. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study is a randomized, controlled clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty mature male albino rats, weighing 150–160 g, were used and divided into four equal groups. One group was kept as negative control (C −ve) group whereas the other three groups were injected subcutaneously (s/c) with carbon tetrachloride in 50% V/V paraffin oil (2 ml/kg b.wt.). Tissue specimens were obtained from all the groups and fixed in 10% formalin for histopathological examination. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The obtained data were statistically analyzed using computerized Superior Performing Statistical Software (SPSS) at SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA. Effects of different treatments were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance test using Duncan's multiple range test, and P < 0.05 was also used to indicate the significance level between different groups (Snedecor and Cochran, 1967). RESULTS: The resulting data showed that the sorrel extract demonstrated a significant enhancement in liver intoxication and all other tested parameters. In addition, it also helped in minimizing the structural tissue damages in the vital organs. CONCLUSIONS: According to these results, sorrel can impair the liver function and maintain the functions of the vital organs. SUMMARY: All rats, poisoned with carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) and administrated with all tested herbs, showed a significant increase in BWG as compared to the control (+ve) group. Sorrel extract demonstrates a significant enhancement in liver intoxication and all other tested parameters and can reduce the lipid peroxidation in CCl(4)-induced liver damage. All rats, poisoned with CCl(4) and orally fed with all tested herbs, showed a significant decrease in the mentioned parameters when compared to control (+ve) group. [Image: see text] Abbreviations Used: ALT: Alanine transaminase; AST: Aspartate transaminase; ALP: Alkaline phosphatase; ALB: Albumin; BWG%: Body weight gain percentage; CCl4: Carbon tetrachloride; CAT: Catalase; GGT: Gamma-glutamyl transferase; GSH-Px: Glutathione peroxidase; GLOB: Globulin; iNOS: Inducible nitric oxide synthase; MDA: Malondialdehyde; RP: Rumex patientia; SOD: Superoxide dismutase; TP: Total protein; TC: Total cholesterol; TGs: Riglycerides.