Effects of Pistacia Vera Hydro-Alcoholic Extract on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Rats

Oxidizing agents play a major role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Pistacia vera (P. vera), contains many antioxidant substances including coenzyme 10, vitamin E and beta-carotene. The current study was designed to evaluate the probable effects of P. vera on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats. Frothy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups including normal, hepatotoxic (CCl4) and P. vera 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg + CCl4. P. vera extract (p.o., daily for 4 weeks) and CCl4 (1 ml/kg two times during the first week of study, 50% v/v in olive oil, i.p.) were administered to the animals. Serum analysis was performed to assay the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). Hepatic necrosis and inflammation were evaluated by histopathological examination (hematoxylin and eosin staining) of liver section. CCl4- induced hepatotoxicity was evidenced by considerable increase in serum levels of ALT, AST and LDL (p< 0.05). Also, administration of CCl4 induced congestion in central vein and lymphocyte infiltration. Gavage of hydro-alcoholic extract of P. vera (10, 50, 100 mg/kg) significantly decreased mentioned indices (p<0.05). Histological analysis demonstrated that gavage of different doses of extract significantly decreased inflammation and tissue necrosis (p< 0.05). Our findings indicate hepatoprotective effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract of P. vera on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.