Effects of Aloysia citriodora Hydroalcoholic Extract on Ethanol-induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Background: Chronic ethanol consumption presents toxic effects on liver tissue by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of lemon verbena were established.  Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Aloysia citriodora (A. citriodora) on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats by evaluating inflammatory and oxidative stress factors.  Methods: The study animals were randomly divided into 7 groups, (6/group) including control, extract alone (400mg/kg), ethanol 10 mg/kg, vitamin C 500 mg/kg + ethanol 10 mg/kg, and the fifth, sixth and seventh groups respectively received an intraperitoneal injection of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of A. citriodora extract plus ethanol once a day for 6 weeks. Oxidative stress parameters, such as glutathione content, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, and reactive oxygen species were measured. Furthermore, inflammation parameters (nitric oxide) and liver damage were evaluated by determining the levels of liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and histopathological examinations. Results: In the liver tissue of the ethanol-receiving group, a significant increase (P<0.001) was observed in ALT, AST, and ALP levels and pathological changes, compared to the control group. There was also a significant increase in the levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors. Interestingly, A. citriodora extract could inhibit ethanol-induced liver damage by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusion: A. citriodora extract significantly attenuated inflammation and oxidative stress caused by ethanol. Therefore, it can be suggested as a beneficial supplement for treating ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity.