Synergistic Protective Effect of Silybum Marianum Extract and Vitamin C Combination on Paracetamol-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rabbits

Abstract

Objectives: Drug-induced hepatotoxicity, particularly resulting from paracetamol overdose, is a major cause of acute liver injury. Silybum Marianum plant has a well-known hepatoprotective effect due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C has very strong antioxidant properties. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Silybum Marianum extract and vitamin C combination on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits.

Materials and Methods: 16 male rabbits were divided into 4 groups (n = 4 each): (1) Control group (CTRL), (2) diseased group (PARA), (3) first treatment group (SLM), and (4) second treatment group (combination) (SLM+VITC). Hepatotoxicity was assessed by measuring serum ALT and AST levels and liver histopathology.

Results: Paracetamol caused significant increase in ALT and AST compared to control group (p<0.05). Treatment with the extract alone improved the histological picture and decreased liver enzymes, while the combination treatment showed a greater decrease in enzymes levels.

Conclusion: The proposed combination treatment provided greater hepatoprotection compared to the extract alone, with a greater decrease in liver enzymes, indicating a synergetic effect