Hepatoprotective outcome of Silymarin against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rabbit model

Abstract

For centuries, medicinal plants have been used to treat human and animal ailments. Recent research indicated Silymarin as commonly employed antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antiviral and antifibrotic. Anti-oxidant properties are believed to be responsible for its hepatoprotective effect. In this research, 46 rabbits were utilized in total. Each rabbit was separated into 04 groups: Group A (n=13) served as control and received neither Silymarin nor CCl4 treatment. Group B (n=13) was given 100 mg/Kg CCl4 as treatment. CCl4 and Silymarin were administered to Groups C and D (n=10), respectively. Using commercially available assays, the parameters Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and serum urea were determined for each animal. Multiple comparisons between each of the four categories were analyzed statistically. Administration of Silymarin in CCl4-induced liver toxicity improved all parameters significantly (P<0.05). The AST Mean ± SE of Groups A, B, C and D was 73.98 ± 2.22, 137.00 ± 4.22, 120.90 ± 3.00 and 95.43 ± 2.85 respectively. Groups A, B, C, and D had respective ALT Mean SE values of 44.51+ 2.64, 99.47 + 3.19, 74.60 + 3.20, and 54.60 + 3.20. Total Bilirubin for Groups A, B, C, and D were 0.622 + 0.023, 1.302 + 0.025, 0.959 + 0.033, and 0.765 + 0.024, respectively. 100 mg Silymarin demonstrated more significant results than 50 mg Silymarin. In conclusion, Silymarin has hepatoprotective, anti-fibrotic, and anti-cirrhosis properties. It is well-tolerated and efficacious antidote for CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity