The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Tamarix Dioica Roots on Liver Injury Induced by a High-Fat and High-Fructose Diet in Rats

Background: The herb Gaz, with the scientific name of Tamarix dioica, has many therapeutic applications in the traditional medicine of the Baluchistan region in Iran. The present research aimed to investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of Tamarix dioica in rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose diet. Methods: 30 male rats were divided into three groups. The control group received a normal diet throughout the period of study. The second group received a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFHF) for two months. The third group received a HFHF diet for two months, and were treated orally by the aqueous extract of Tamarix dioica roots (200 mg/kg body weight) from the 30th day. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken from the heart of rats to determine the serum biochemical parameters. After euthanasia, liver specimens were deposited in formalin and after staining with hematoxilin-eosine, were examined to determine histopathological lesions. Findings: Serum glucose levels were significantly higher in rats received a HFHF diet compared to that in the control group (P < 0.001). Rats fed a HFHF diet had a significantly higher serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels (P < 0.010) and lower serum HDL levels compared to the control rats. The administration of the Tamarix dioica extract significantly reduced serum glucose levels compared to the negative control group (P < 0.050). Oral administration of Tamarix dioica roots extract significantly reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) compared to those in the negative control group (P < 0.010). Furthermore, treatment with the extract of Tamarix dioica significantly reduced serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to the negative control rats (P < 0.050). In the histopathological study of livers, cytoplasmic fat deposition was prominently lower in Tamarix dioica-treated rats compared to the negative-control ones. Conclusion: It seems that the administration of Tamarix dioica roots extract can reduce liver injury caused by HFHF diet in rats.