Protective effects of Viscum album L. leaf extract on chlorpyrifos-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

Abstract

Objectives: The goal of this study was to examine the antioxidant activity of Viscum album L. (VA, European mistletoe) extract (VAE) and to investigate whether VAE could provide protection against chlorpyrifos-induced hepatotoxicity. Methods: Male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups and treated two times per week during four weeks: I group without treatment served as control; II, IV and V group were treated with chlorpyrifos (CPF, 35 mg/kg b.w) via gavage; III and IV group received a higher dose of VAE (350 mg/kg b.w); and V group received a lower dose of VAE (175 mg/kg b.w) intraperitoneally. The extract was obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction. HPLC-DAD analysis was performed to investigate the chemical composition of the extract, and antioxidant assays to determine its antioxidant activities. Biochemical parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities in liver tissue, and histopathology were also determined. Results: The VAE caused significant decrease in glucose, TC, TG, albumins, AST, and ALT compared to CPF-treated rats. The cotreatment with VAE also significantly recovered the antioxidative system parameters (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GR, and GST) and alleviated some histopathological changes caused by CPF. Conclusions: Our data revealed that the simultaneous VAE administration modulated the negative changes induced by CPF. This study suggests that VAE could be useful in providing protection against hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress due to its antioxidative properties.