The Protective effect of of Water Extract of Opuntia Ficus-indica on Liver Hepatotoxicity of Carbon Tetra Chloride in Male Rats

Abstract

the plant Opuntia ficus-indica against the toxicity of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rat males. Seventy five rats were divided into five groups of 15 rats each. The first group was a negative control and the other 60 rats were given 1ml/kg.b.w. CCl4 once each 3 days for 12, 18 and 30 days. Then they This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of the water extract of were divided into four groups, the first group served as positive control (CCl4 only) while the second, third and fourth groups were given 0.25, 0.50 and 1ml/100 gm.b.w. of water extract of the plant daily, respectively. Results indicated that CCl4 caused a significant increase in the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Furthermore, CCl4 caused a decrease in the concentration of glutathione (GSH) and an increase in the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the positive control group. As well the groups were treated with plant extract,showeda significant decrease in the levels of ALT, AST, ALP and LDH. Other results is significant increase in GSH and significant decrease in MDA concentration. It was concluded that water extract of the plant Opuntia ficus-indica ameliorated the toxic effects of CCl4. It is concluded from the present study that the Opuntia ficus-indica water extract has a protective effect on the liver also enhancing the antioxidant defense system and suppresses lipid peroxidation.