Abstract

An aqueous extract of the internal layer of oak fruit (Jaft) was evaluated for in vitroantioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effects on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. Groups 1, 2 and 3 served as negative controls and were given olive oil, distilled water, and Jaft extract (500 mg/kg), respectively. Group 4 served as the toxic group and received 1 ml/kg CCl₄intraperitoneally as a single dose every 72 h. Groups 5 and 6 received oral aqueous extracts of Jaft at 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively, 1 h after the injection of CCl₄ for every 72 h. Jaft doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg resulted in decreased serum enzyme and bilirubin levels (P < 0.01), which is an indication of hepatoprotection. CCl₄ induced a significant increase in aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin and a reduction of total protein (P < 0.01). Treating rats with Jaft extract significantly lowered these serum marker enzymes as compared to CCl₄-treated rats (P < 0.001). Aqueous extracts of Jaft at 250 and 500 mg/kg showed hepatoprotective potential and did not have toxic effects.

Key words: Antioxidant activity, hepatoprotective, enzyme markers, oak fruit.