Contexts: Exposure to environmental pollutants such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) causes liver injuries. There are claims that extracts from Syzygium aromaticum (Linn.) Merrill & L.M.Perry, (Myrtaceae) protects from such injuries.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the protective effects of cold-pressed S. aromaticum oil (CO) against CCl4-induced liver toxicity in rats.

METHODS

CO was orally administered to rats in two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) along with CCl4 (1 mL/kg in olive oil) for 8 weeks. Indices of liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, and peroxidation were evaluated in rats' serum and tissues. Fatty acids and bioactive lipids of CO were analyzed.

RESULTS

High levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (39.7%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (42.1%) were detected in CO. The oil contained high amounts of tocols and phenolics. The LD50 value at 24 h was approximately 5950 mg/kg. Treatment with 200 mg/kg CO resulted in a decrease of creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels to 0.86, 32.6, and 2.99 mg/dL, respectively. Levels of TL, TC, TAG, LDL-C, and VLDL-C were decreased to 167, 195.3, 584.5, 74.6, and 39.0 mg/L, respectively, after 8 weeks of treatment. Hepatic malondialdehyde levels were reduced and glutathione levels were elevated in CO-treated rats. CO reduced the activities of AST, ALT, and ALP as well as kidney function markers, protein, and lipid profiles, respectively. Histopathological examination of liver indicated that CO treatment reduced fatty degenerations, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

CO possessed a protective effect against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, mediated possibly by the antioxidant properties of the oil.