Effect of Dried Persimmon Fruit "Diospyros Kaki" on Acute Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxicity in Laboratory Rats

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is a popular and a widespread fruit that is rich in many bioactive compounds. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of the dried Persimmon fruit on acute carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty male albino rats (Sprague Dawley Strain), weighing between 180-200g, have been used and were divided into two main groups for 6 weeks. The first group: normal control group (negative group, 5 rats). The second group: twenty five rats treated with single dose of CCl4 in paraffin oil (50% v/v 4 ml/kg) injected to induce acute damage in liver. Chemical, biochemical and histological tests were carried out. The results of this study showed that persimmon powder contains a high amount of carbohydrates, a moderate amount of protein, fat and crude fiber which can decrease risks of heart disease and cancers. They also recorded a high amount of antioxidant activity, total Phenols, total flavonoids and carotene. T.B, D.B, ID.B, AST, ALT and ALP decreased significantly in all groups that were supported by different percentages of persimmon powder compared with the positive control group. Additionally, they showed a significant decrease in Ceatinine, Urea and U.A, whereas the results of T.P, ALB and G showed a significant increase in all groups that were supported by different percentages of persimmon powder compared with the positive control group. There was also a noticeable improvement in the prothrombin time parameters. Examination of Liver and kidney histopathologically showed improvement in all groups that were supported by different percentages of persimmon powder compared with the positive control group. As a result of its bioactive qualities, this study suggests that persimmon powder be used to improve liver damage in rats with hepatotoxicity.