Hepatoprotective Effects of Dawa-Ul-Kurkum, a Unani Polyherbal Preparation and the Possible Mechanisms in Experimental Model of Ethanol Induced Liver Damage in Rats

Abstract

The liver is an important organ that is involved in metabolism, storage, secretion, and detoxification. Chronic alcohol misuse can cause hepatotoxicity, putting the liver's normal function in jeopardy. Hepatotoxicity caused by ethanol is primarily caused by toxic byproducts of its metabolism, which cause oxidative stress [1]. Alcohol is a psychoactive chemical that has been linked to a variety of health concerns around the world [2]. Oxidative stress is one of the key mechanisms of ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity. Alcohol dehydrogenase converts ethanol to acetaldehyde, which is then oxidized to acetate by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase [3-6]. When ethanol is taken in excess, it is converted mostly to acetaldehyde by the enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP2E1), which is implicated in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [7-9]. As a result, oxidative stress is caused by an increase in ROS combined with a reduction in antioxidant capability. Recent research suggests that ethanol-induced oxidative stress plays a key role in the development and progression of alcoholic liver disease [10-12]. Abstract