Hepatoprotective activity of Tribulus terrestris extract against acetaminophen-induced toxicity in a freshwater fish (Oreochromis mossambicus)

In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim. 2011 Dec;47(10):698-706. doi: 10.1007/s11626-011-9457-9.

Abstract

The potential protective role of Tribulus terrestris in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in Oreochromis mossambicus was investigated. The effect of oral exposure of acetaminophen (500 mg/kg) in O. mossambicus at 24-h duration was evaluated. The plant extract (250 mg/kg) showed a remarkable hepatoprotective activity against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. It was judged from the tissue-damaging level and antioxidant levels in liver, gill, muscle and kidney tissues. Further acetaminophen impact induced a significant rise in the tissue-damaging level, and the antioxidant level was discernible from the enzyme activity modulations such as glutamate oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamate pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, lipid peroxidase and reduced glutathione. The levels of all these enzymes have significantly (p < 0.05) increased in acetaminophen-treated fish tissues. The elevated levels of these enzymes were significantly controlled by the treatment of T. terrestris extract (250 kg/mg). Histopathological changes of liver, gill and muscle samples were compared with respective controls. The results of the present study specify the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of T. terrestris against acetaminophen-induced toxicity in freshwater fish, O. mossambicus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / toxicity*
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Ethanol
  • Flavonoids / analysis
  • Fresh Water
  • Liver / drug effects*
  • Liver / enzymology
  • Liver / pathology
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Protective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Reference Standards
  • Tilapia / metabolism*
  • Toxicity Tests*
  • Tribulus / chemistry*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Flavonoids
  • Plant Extracts
  • Protective Agents
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ethanol