Hepatoprotective Effect of Merlot Grape Pomace Extract against Acetaminophen-Induced Damage in Mouse

This study investigated the benefits of Merlot grape pomace extract (EBUM) in experimental acetaminophen-induced intoxication. Swiss mice received the respective treatments for 7 days: Control (saline), Silymarin (100 mg/Kg), EBUM: 100 mg/Kg and 500 mg/Kg. On the seventh day, the acetaminophen control,Silymarin and EBUM received a single dose of acetaminophen 500 mg/kg. After 24 hours, the mice were sacrificed, the blood and liver were collected for analysis of serum transaminases (ALT and AST), bilirubin, hepatic markers of oxidative stress and histopathological analysis. EBUM was able to prevent acetaminophen-induced hepatic necrosis with a significant reduction (p<0.0001) in ALT and AST, bilirubin, as well as a significant increase in hepatic GSH and CAT levels. The histological data are consistent with the transaminase results, showing less liver damage in the treated groups when compared to the acetaminophen group. The results allow us to infer that EBUM has a hepatoprotective effect against intoxication caused by acetaminophen in animal model, proving to be a therapeutic alternative in preventing drug-induced liver damage.