The Hepatoprotective Effect Of Agrimonia Eupatoria On Hepatotoxicity Caused By Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids In Senecio Vulgaris Extract In Male Rats

Abstract

Background and Aim: Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in some plants or food contaminated with them lead to liver toxicity in humans and livestock. Agrimonia eupatoria, which is known as a drug for liver diseases in Iranian Traditional Medicine, may have hepatoprotective effects on liver toxicity caused by PAs.

Methods and Materials: In this experimental study, 60 male Wister rats were divided into six groups, each having 10 rats. One group was considered as the control group; of the remaining five groups, one group received carbon tetrachloride and the other four groups received Senecio vulgaris extract for the purpose of inducing liver toxicity. Of the four Senecio vulgaris extract-induced hepatotoxicity groups, one was the negative control and the rest orally received 100, 300, and 600 mg/kg of Agrimonia eupatoria extract on a daily basis during 14 days. Fourteen days after the start of the study, aspartate transaminase , alkaline phosphatase , and alanine transaminase enzymes along with the serum concentration of total protein, albumin, and bilirubin were measured. Moreover, liver tissue was assessed in all the groups. The ANOVA test was utilized to analyze the data.  

Findings: It was found that receiving oral Senecio vulgaris extract led to an increase in bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase levels and a decrease in total protein and albumin in the experimental groups compared to the control group. Moreover, Agrimonia eupatoria extract consumption helped these factors to become statistically closer to the control group. Histological studies indicated improvement in liver failure caused by Senecio vulgaris extract.

Conclusion: Agrimonia eupatoria extract has protective effects against liver failures caused by Senecio vulgaris extract.