Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihepatotoxic effects of Spirulina platensis against d-galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Spirulina platensis has been advocated as safe food for human use by several investigators. In this study its beneficial dietary effect against liver injuries caused by d-galactosamine (d-GalN) was studied ensuring safety to human health using animal model. Acute hepatotoxicity was induced in Wister rats with d-GalN followed by treatment with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and with Spirulina aqueous extract at various concentrations. The effect of Spirulina at different concentrations were tried and compared with BHT treatment. The animals treated with d-GalN on subsequent treatment by supplementation with Spirulina (6, 9%) in the diets, led to significant reversal in the levels of the antioxidant enzymes through hepatocytes by suppression of negative effect. Spirulina aqueous extract at 9% resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of alkaline phosphatase and infalmatory markers TNFα, IL6 and IL1β and also decreased TBARS, while it showed an increase in oxidative stress marker such as GR, GSH, GST, SOD, GPX and CAT and total protein when compared to the levels recorded with that group treated with d-GalN. Results also indicated that Spirulina aqueous extract at 9% concentration was equally effective in protecting liver damage as it was observed with BHT. Histological studies on liver treated with d-GalN, BHT and Spirulina aqueous extract showed that S. platensis is effective as diet in providing beneficial protective effect. The results obtained in the present study very clearly indicated the positive beneficial protective effect of Spirulina, when used as diet, on the safety and protection of liver from injuries caused by toxicants.