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Effect of <i>Carthamus tinctorius</i> L Extract on Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Liver Cirrhosis in Rats


ZW Hu
WX Wang

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the effects of Carthamus tinctorius L. extract (CTLE) on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver cirrhosis in rats.

Methods: CTLE was obtained by extracting the dried Carthamus tinctorius L. in water. Liver cirrhosis was induced by injecting the rats with DEN once a week for 8 weeks. Following this treatment, clinical biochemical assessments, as well as oxidative stress test and histopathological examination were performed.

Results: Compared with the control group, plasma concentrations of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) both decreased significantly (p < 0.01) after 8 weeks. The degree of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and necrosis decreased in CTLE-treated rats. CTLE significantly inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutases (SOD) in DEN-induced rat liver (p < 0.01) compared with control group.

Conclusion: CTLE has significant inhibitory effect on diethylnitrosamine-induced liver cirrhosis in rats, which can be developed for future clinical applications.

Keywords: Carthamus tinctorius L., Liver Cirrhosis, Anti-Oxidant, Apoptosis, Diethylnitrosamine


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eISSN: 1596-9827
print ISSN: 1596-5996