Protective Effect of Celtis Tournefortii Against Copper-Induced Toxicity in Rat Liver

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Celtis tournefortii fruit extract (Ct) against copper-induced liver damage in rats. Thirty-two Wistar Albino rats were divided into four equal groups (n = 8): Control, Copper (Cu), Copper + C. tournefortii (Cu+Ct), and C. tournefortii (Ct). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activities, glutathione (GSH) concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were analysed in the liver tissues. Liver histopathology was also evaluated. Alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase significantly decreased in the Cu+Ct group compared with the Cu group. Oxidative stress parameters MDA and TOS significantly increased with copper administration, whereas they decreased with C. tournefortii co-treatment compared to Cu group. GSH concentration and TAS showed significant decreases with copper administration. Celtis tournefortii co-supplementation with copper significantly enhanced antioxidant parameters such as TAS, SOD, and GPx. Celtis tournefortii remarkably attenuated degenerative and necrotic changes caused by the oral exposure of copper in the liver tissue of rats. Celtis tournefortii may provide amelioration of the antioxidant status and moderation of severity of liver damage against copper toxicity. The therapeutic use of C. tournefortii may exhibit protective effects in liver injury treatment.