Ameliorative Effect of the Combination of the Cichorium intybus Whole Extract and Melatonin on Doxorubicin-induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

Background: Doxorubicin is anticancer that is a choice for the treatment of many malignancies. The nature of its toxic effects on the liver and other organs is the harmful character that leads to use with caution. Then, it is necessary to supplement an antioxidant with doxorubicin to reduce its side effects. Objectives: Cichorium intybus (C. intybus) is a plant with hepatoprotective effects. Melatonin is an antioxidant similar to vitamins. We investigated the repairing effects of C. intybus -melatonin together against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity. Methods: Thirty balb/c mice in the weight range of 20 g to 25 g were divided into 5 equal groups of 6 animals each. The groups were as Control: normal saline; DOX: doxorubicin; Chicory: chicory whole plant extract + DOX; Melatonin; melatonin + DOX; Both Chicory-Melatonin + DOX. We assessed histopathology to define necrosis, vacuolar degeneration, and inflammation. In addition, we used immunohistochemistry to evaluate the TNFα proving the rate of inflammation. Results: The mean sum of histological grading in the control group was 0.00 in contrast to severe damage of the hepatic parenchyma grading 11.34 in sum. The mean sum grade of the other groups including Chicory, Melatonin, and Both Chicory-Melatonin were 8.17, 4.18, and 2.49, respectively. We found that the increased liver damage and TNF-α expression induced by DOX could be improved by applying therapeutic care with the coadministration of the C. intybus extract and Melatonin. Conclusions: Chicory and Melatonin have a healing ability against doxorubicin-induced hepatic lesions.