Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Effects of Wheat, Carrot, and Mango as Nutraceutical Agents against CCl₄-Induced Hepatocellular Toxicity

Abstract

Background and Aims: During the last decade, there has been a growing interest in replacing synthetic antioxidants by natural ones because they are cheaper and safe. The main aim of this work was to investigate the possible role of carrot, mango, and wheat extracts against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity.

Methods: Forty albino rats were recruited and divided into 5 groups. Group 1 was fed a basal diet and group 2 was fed a basal diet and CCl₄. Groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated with carrot, mango, and wheat extracts, respectively, in addition to a basal diet and CCl₄.

Results: Hepatocellular toxicity decreased significantly following treatment. Lipid profile and liver enzymes markers decreased remarkably and total protein and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased dramatically. The oxidative stress has decreased noticeably through the decrease in Malondialdehyde (MDA). Microscopic examination of the treated rats exhibited a normal histopathological structure.

Conclusion: These data suggest that carrot, mango, and wheat extracts could be used as nutraceuticals for the prophylaxis and treatment against hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress. This is the first study of its kind that highlights the importance of including such plants in the dairy and food industry for the prevention of hepatocellular toxicity and oxidative stress.

Key words:

• CCl₄
• hepatocellular toxicity
• MDA
• nutraceuticals
• oxidative stress

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank the members of the Medicinal Food Department at NODCAR and Food Science and Technology Department at Ain Shams University for their technical advice.

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

E.H.M. carried out the experimental work. A.A.Y.G., H.M.E., S.A.E., and H.M.A.A.-S. conceived the study and participated in designing the study, performing experiments, statistical analysis, data interpretation, and drafting of the article. All authors read and approved the final article.