Hepatoprotective Effects of Amaranthus Spinosus Extract against Alcohol-induced Liver Injury in Wistar Rats: Modulation of Lipid Profile and Liver Function Markers
Anozie Maduabuchi Mbazurike *
Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
J.N Okereke
Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
I.E Nwabunnia
Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
R.N Okechi
Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
R.C Ibeh
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
Nnamdi Moses Chibueze
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal University, Owerri, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Alcohol-induced liver injury is a major global health concern, characterized by oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, hepatocellular injury, and altered liver function. The present study evaluated the hepatoprotective and lipid-modulating effects of Amaranthus spinosus aqueous extract against ethanol-induced liver injury in Wistar rats.
Materials and Method: Forty-nine (49) rats were divided into groups; normal control, standard control (silymarin 50mg/kg), alcohol-exposed groups, and treatment group at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg doses of the extract, with or without continued alcohol administration, over 42 days. Liver function markers (ALT, AST, total protein, albumin, bilirubin), lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C), and oxidative stress indicators (SOD, GSH, MDA, LDH) were assessed. Histopathological analysis was conducted to evaluate structural liver changes.
Results: Alcohol administration significantly elevated serum ALT, AST, bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and VLDL-C, while reducing HDL-C, total protein, albumin, SOD, and GSH, alongside increased MDA and LDH levels, indicating hepatocellular injury, oxidative stress, and dyslipidemia. Treatment with A. spinosus extract ameliorated these biochemical alterations in a dose- and treatment-dependent manner, restoring antioxidant enzyme activity, reducing lipid peroxidation, normalizing lipid profiles, and improving hepatic synthetic function. Histopathological examination confirmed attenuation of alcohol-induced steatosis, necrosis, and architectural distortion, particularly in rats receiving high-dose extract.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that Amaranthus spinosus exerts significant hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and lipid-modulating effects, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent against alcohol-induced liver injury. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these protective effects.
Keywords: Amaranthus spinosus, hepatoprotective, alcohol-induced liver injury, lipid profile, oxidative stress, non-HDL cholesterol, histopathology