Efficiency of Cupressus sempiverens L. and Juniperus phoenicea Against Carbon Tetrachloride Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The methanolic extracts of both Cupressus sempiverens and Juniperus phoenicea were investigated for their efficiency in reducing CCl sub(4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Several biochemical analyses were performed, namely, serum aminotransferases (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin (Bil), triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (HDL and LDL). On the other hand, liver antioxidant parameters, namely, glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxides (LP) and nitric oxide (NO) were also measured. The data obtained demonstrated that rats injected with a single toxic dose of CCl sub(4) and sacrificed after 24 h induced remarkable disturbances in the levels of all tested parameters. However, rats injected with the toxic agent and left for one and a half month to self recover showed moderate improvements in the serum and liver biochemical parameters. On the other hand, treatment with both extracts ameliorated the levels of the disturbed biochemical parameters, Cupressus sempiverens revealing a more remarkable effect. It could be concluded that the two extracts under study possess potent activities against hepatotoxicity compared to hepatic self recovery and may thus be helpful in treatment and safe recovery of liver disorders.