Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Extracts Elicit Anti-Hepatotoxic Effects on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Albino Wistar Rat

Authors

  • I. K. Uchendu Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Division of Clinical Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria.
  • C. E. Agu Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Division of Clinical Chemistry, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
  • O. C. Orji Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Division of Clinical Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria.
  • E. B. Nnedu Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Division of Immunology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
  • C. Arinze Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Division of Clinical Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria.
  • A. C. Uchenna Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria.
  • U. C. Okongwu Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/tipr/v10/11084D

Keywords:

Ethnopharmacology, hepatoprotection, hepatotoxicity, liver, tomato, acetaminophen

Abstract

Introduction: It has been extensively reported that drug-overdose is the leading cause of liver injury in the world today. Diets rich in natural antioxidants have been observed to offer substantial remedy to drug-induced organ injuries.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of tomato extract against Acetaminophen-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats.

Methods: Phytochemical analyses were performed. A total of 24 albino rats weighing (110±10 g) were randomly allocated to four groups (A-D), with six rats per group. Group A was the normal control and received no treatment. Group B was the negative control and received a single dose of acetaminophen (750 mg/kg, i.p) only. Group C served as test group and received a single dose of acetaminophen (750 mg/kg, i.p.) before treatment with tomato extract (30 mg/kg, oral) for 14 consecutive days. Group D received simultaneous administration of tomato extract (30 mg/kg, oral) and acetaminophen (750 mg/kg, i.p) for 14days.

Results: The single dose of Acetaminophen caused liver cell injuries with significant increase in the levels of the liver enzymes: AST (67.67±11.41U/L); ALT (46.33±10.59U/L) and ALP (223.70±23.31U/L) in rats in negative control when compared with normal (p<0.05 or p<0.01). The daily administration of the tomato extract was able to attenuate the acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity on the liver enzyme marker levels: In Group C: AST (23.00± 3.61U/L, P<0.01); ALT (17.67± 3.48U/L, P<0.05) and ALP (121.30±8.11U/L, P<0.01). In Group D, AST (26.67±2.91U/L, P<0.01); ALT (18.67±1.76 U/L, P<0.05) and ALP (124.72±9.33U/L, P<0.01) when compared with negative control group. The histological results also revealed no significant liver injury in the groups that received tomato extract when compared with the normal control.

Conclusion: Tomato extract possesses hepatoprotective ability against acetaminophen-induced liver injury.

Published

2021-08-03

How to Cite

I. K. Uchendu, C. E. Agu, O. C. Orji, E. B. Nnedu, C. Arinze, A. C. Uchenna, & U. C. Okongwu. (2021). Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Extracts Elicit Anti-Hepatotoxic Effects on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Albino Wistar Rat. Technological Innovation in Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 10, 27–36. https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/tipr/v10/11084D

Issue

Technological Innovation in Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 10

Section

Chapters