The potential protective effect of licorice on aflatoxin induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Aflatoxins, toxic metabolic by-products produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, are unavoidable food contaminant and reducing their toxicity in animals is of great interest. The potential of licorice which exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties was evaluated for alleviating the AFB1-induced (Aflatoxin B1) hepatotoxicity in rat. Four experimental groups were used, each comprising 5 rats; control group (G1), licorice-received group (G2) (300mg/kg b.w intragastric daily for 7 days), AFB1-treated group (G3) (5 mg/kg b.w. one dose intrapretonial), and a group given licorice 7 days before AFB1 intoxication (G4) 24 hours later, the animals sacrificed. The activities of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured in rat serum as well as histopathological examination of liver. Results revealed the following: AFB1 significantly elevated the serum ALT, AST and the liver showed diffuse necrosis, bile duct hyperplasia, congestion of the central vein and portal mononuclear cells infiltrations. Rats received licorice before AFB1, showed a significant amelioration in serum enzymes and improvement in liver tissues architecture. In conclusion, licorice was found to be safe and successful agent counteracting the toxicity induced by AFB1 in the liver of rat.