Hepatoprotective activity of Mentha rotundifolia aqueous extract against hepatocellular damage induced by CCL₄ in rats

Abstract

This study aims to assess hepatoprotective properties of M. rotundifolia. Decoction was used to prepare the aqueous extract. The preliminary cytotoxicity evaluated against Caco 2 and RAW 264 cells demonstrate no cytotoxic effect. The preventive impact of the extract against liver damage was evaluated by examining blood levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total proteins, and histological alterations in liver tissues. Thirty albino rats were separated into five groups: the first served as normal group, the second was injected by olive oil (3 ml/kg), and the third was injected by CCL₄ (3 ml/kg). However, groups IV and V received daily doses of 250 and 500 mg extract/kg bw, respectively before CCL₄ injection. The results showed that the administration of the extract led to a marked improvement in plasma biochemical markers and a reduction in symptoms of CCL4-induced liver damage. The extract exhibits hepatoprotective activity, which may be attributed to its phytochemical components.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Biochemical markers
• CCL₄
• hepatoprotective effect
• Mentha rotundifolia

Disclosure statement

Authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Additional information

Funding

The present research study was supported by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Algeria.