ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Vol. 3 (11) pp. 001-008, November, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Histological and biochemical study of the effects of garlic oil and vitamin E in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity
Adejoke Yetunde Onaolapo 1 and Olakunle James Onaolapo 2
1Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
2Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University, Oshogbo , Osun State.
*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]
Received 22 July, 2012; Accepted 16 November, 2012
Abstract
The effects of over-the-counter garlic oil capsules and vitamin E on the liver following paracetamol (APAP) overdose was studied. This was with a view to comparing the possible hepatoprotective effects of vitamin E and garlic oil. Thirty adult Wistar rats weighing between 150 and 200 g were randomly divided into five groups of 6 rats each. Garlic oil (3 mg/kg) or vitamin E (200 mg/kg) was administered concurrently with a daily oral dose of 500 mg/kg of APAP. Serum levels of Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured on the 15th day following which animals were sacrificed; liver sections were processed for histological study. Statistical analysis was carried out using a one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a post-hoc test; results were expressed as mean ±S.E.M. The results showed significant weight reduction and elevation of liver enzymes and extensive liver cell injury in animals in the paracetamol control (group B) with significant improvement seen in the groups that received either garlic oil or vitamin E although there was no significant difference in the effects of vitamin E over garlic oil. The study concluded that both vitamin E and garlic oil are hepatoprotective in paracetamol induced liver injury with neither showing any advantage over the other.
Keywords: Paracetamol, Hepatotoxicity, Garlic oil, Vitamin E.