Hepatoprotective and Anti-oxidant effects of Nepeta Ispahanica Boiss extract on CCL4 induced liver Injury

Abstract

Background: Natural products might be applicable as remedial agents with their roles in oxidative stress regulation and as natural antioxidants.  In this regard, Nepeta ispahanica bioss has been utilized in traditional medicine for several functions. Despite numerous properties of the Nepeta species including their antioxidant properties, Nepeta ispahanica boiss effects against hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) have not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Nepeta ispahanica boiss on CCL4 induced acute hepatic injury in an animal model.  Materials and Methods: The experiment used a total of 36 male Wistar rats, that were divided into six groups. Except for the intact control groups, all groups received a single intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 after pre‐treatment period with distilled water, Nepeta ispahanica boiss extracts, or legalon. After 24 hours, rats were anesthetized, sacrificed and blood samples were obtained. Serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), urea and plasma levels of total protein and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated. Besides, SOD and CAT enzyme activities and GSH levels were determined.  Histopathological studies also were done in liver tissue samples. Results: After the CCl4 injection, oxidative stress‐mediated necrotic acute liver injuries were observed. Also, serum ALP, AST, and ALT elevated. Hepatic lipid peroxidation and related decrease of endogenous antioxidants and antioxidative enzymes; lipid peroxidation markers, and oxidative stress markers were presented. Nevertheless, histological and biochemical markers of liver injury were reserved by the pre‐treatment with Nepeta ispahanica boiss extracts. Conclusion: The present study confirmed that the administration of Nepeta ispahanica boiss extracts before exposure to CCl4, induced significant hepatoprotective effects. These findings verified that Nepeta ispahanica boiss has favorable properties as an antioxidant and hepatoprotective agent.