Hepatoprotective Effects of Standardized Extracts from an Ancient Italian Apple Variety (Mela Rosa dei Monti Sibillini) against Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl(4))-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The aim of this research was to examine the effect of the hydroalcoholic extracts from the peel (APE) and pulp (APP) of a traditional apple cultivar from central Italy (Mela Rosa dei Monti Sibillini) on CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Phytoconstituents were determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis showing an abundance of proanthocyanidins and flavonol derivatives together with the presence of annurcoic acid in APE. Wistar rats received APE/APP (30 mg/kg oral administration) for three days before CCl(4) injection (2 mL/kg intraperitoneal once on the third day). Treatment with both APE and APP prior to CCl(4) injection significantly decreased the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) compared to the CCl(4) group. Besides, pretreatment with APE reversed the CCl(4) effects on superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) levels in liver tissue in rats and reduced tissue damage as shown in hematoxylin and eosin staining. These results showed that this ancient Italian apple is worthy of use in nutraceuticals and dietary supplements to prevent and/or protect against liver disorders.