ANTIOXIDANT PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM MOLASSES OF LAUROCERASUS OFFICINALIS ROEM. (CHERRY LAUREL) AMELIORATE CARBON TETRACHLORIDE (CCL4)-INDUCED LIVER INJURY IN RATS

The fruits of Laurocerasus officinalis (cherry laurel) and products made from this are used for many years against several illnesses in Turkish folk medicine. The objective of this study was to investigate the phenolic composition, in vitro antioxidant properties of cherry laurel molasses, and also hepa-toprotective mechanisms in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo. In this study, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity of cherry laurel molasses was determined by in vitro assessments. Effects on liver hepatoxicity were investigated using the CCl4-induced toxicity rat model. The results reveal that molasses contained in high amounts of total polyphenols and, total flavonoids. The in vivo observations showed that cherry laurel molasses treatment significantly decreased lipid peroxidation, NOx levels in the liver, and serum transaminases. Also, molasses treatment was significantly increased superoxide dismutasc and catalasc activity and glutathione level in the liver. Histo-pathological determination confirmed that treatment of molasses prevented hepatocellular damage and inflammation in CCl4-administered group. In conclusion, cherry laurel molasses accomplished hepato-protective effects by improving hepatic antioxidant status and preventing hepatocellular damage.