Hepatoprotective potential of Anagallis arvensis -induced hepatic injury and oxidative stress in rabbits

Anagallis arvensis L. has several health benefits, such as it is an effective remedy for epileptic disorders, leprosy, rheumatism, and hepatic and renal dysfunctions. However, scientific evidence of the plant against liver disease is not reported so far. Thus, the aim of the present study was to highlight the hepatoprotective and hepatocurative effect of extract on hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride ([CCl.sub.4]). The extract was investigated for its effect on hematological parameters, liver enzymes regulation, and anti-oxidant markers (SOD & CAT). In addition, histopathological investigations were performed. This extract displayed significant reversion of WBCs, RBCs, platelets count, hemoglobin, ALT, AST, ALP and albumin levels towards the normal level as compared with control. Therefore, there was significant rise in level of SOD and CAT in both groups (hepatocurative and protective). Furthermore, histological investigation demonstrated the preventive effect. The presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, protein, phenolic compounds, tannins and saponins in the extract was confirmed by the preliminary phytochemical studies. Thus, based on all these facts, it can be concluded that Anagallis arvensis extract has restorative capability against [CCl.sub.4]-induced hepatotoxicity and could be used as the hepatocurative and hepatoprotective agent, which could be attributed to the reported secondary metabolites. Keywords: Anagallis arvensis L., hepatoprotective potential, carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity, oxidative stress.