HEPATOPROTECTIVE, ANTIOXIDANT, AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS OF EPHEDRA ALATA EXTRACT AGAINST BIFENTHRIN-INDUCED LIVER TOXICITY IN RATS

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluation the ameliorative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemical detoxifying properties of Ephedra alata extract (EAE) in relation to bifenthrin-induced liver damage. Adult male rats (180-220 g) were divided into four groups (10 rats per group) and underwent oral therapy for a duration of 30 days as detailed below: (1) Normal control; (2) Healthy subjects received EAE (120 mg/kg/day) in maize oil; (3) Healthy subjects were administered bifenthrin (8 mg/kg/day) in maize oil; (4) Subjects were orally delivered EAE one hour before bifenthrin exposure. The findings demonstrated that bifenthrin administration in the subjects led to substantial elevations in serum levels of LDH, ASAT, and ALAT, as well as increased hepatic inflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ), an apoptotic marker (Casp-3), and oxidative stress indicators (NO and MDA), alongside a marked reduction in hepatic antioxidant markers (GSH, SOD, CAT, and GPx) relative to the normal control group. The administration of EAE prior to bifenthrin markedly ameliorated the previously described compromised parameters, nearing control values; furthermore, the extract substantially altered the liver histological structure. In summary, Ephedra alata extract demonstrates promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and detoxifying effects against bifenthrin-induced liver damage in a rat model.