Use of some plant extracts for protection of liver cells from toxic effects of Methotrexate

Abstract

The aim of this study was to detect the efficacy of some plant extracts in protection of liver cells from toxic effects of anti-cancer drug Methotrexate by using metabolizing enzymes glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruric transinase (GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as parameters. Aquatic and alcohclic extracts were prepared from the Seeds of Nigella sativa, (Citrus aurntifolia) and cardamom (Elptteria cardamam ), for each extract, four gradually increased doses were evaluated for their toxicity. Dose with no effect was selected for further investigation. Drug-plant extract interaction was conducted using white mice musculus Balb/c strain. The animals were divided into three groups: negative controls (buffer), positive control (drug) and interaction group (drug & plant extract). The results showed that the dose 200 mg/kg, bw of N. sativa seeds extract and citrus fruit extract, as well as 50 mg/kg of cardamom extract induced non significant reduction in activity of GOT, GPT and ALP. However, MTX at dose of 3.25 mg/kg caused a significant (P< 0.01) reduction in those enzymes. Interaction between the selected doses of drug and plant extract, before and after drug treatments, was conducted. Significant reduction of drug effects on GPT, GOT and ALP was noticed when N. sativa and cardamom extracts were given for 7 days before drug treatments. Citrus fruit and aquatic extract of cardamom were negative in such experiment. Patient on treatment with MTX should be checked for liver function test and these plants might protect him.