Effect of Asparagus falcatus on Acetaminophen Toxicity in Mice: A Comparison of Antioxidative Effect With N-Acetyl Cysteine

Objective: In this study, the effect of Asparagus falcatus extract on acetaminophen-induced liver injury was investigated in vivo. Method: Six arms of study. ICR mice (n = 20) were treated with acetaminophen at a single dose of 300 mg/kg (in saline, after a 16-hr fast) to induce hepatotoxicity. Drug control group and pre- and posttreated groups were administered 0.9 g/kg of Asparagus falcatus orally. Serum ALT, AST, ALP, liver GSH, antioxidant enzymes, GPx (glutathione peroxidase), GR (glutathione reductase), GST (glutathione-S-transferase), and liver/serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were estimated. Liver damage was also assessed histopathologically. The effect of the plant extract was compared with N-acetyl cysteine. Results: Acetaminophen produced liver damage, as manifested by a significant rise (P