Hepatoprotective Activity of Leaf Extract of Laurus Nobilis L. Against CCL4 Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Laurus nobilis against CCL4 induced liver toxic damage in rats. To evaluate the degree of hepatocyte damage in experimental modeling hepatitis the lipid profile and histochemical assay were determined. Introduction of CCl4 in animals was always carried out in fatal to 36 hours. A single injection of the L. nobilis extract simultaneously with CCl4 leads to 100% survi-vability. L. nobilis leaves extract acts on the liver as a potent scavenger of free radicals to prevent the toxic effects of CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Under the influence of CCl4 microscopically normal structure of the liver are violated, the signs of diffuse liver disease with extensive necrosis of he-patocytes, perivascular and pericellular edema are determined. Extract has angioprotective action on the capillary bed of the rat liver, vascular protective effect and prevented the progression of necroinflammation, which can be explained by the presence of antioxidants and antimicrobials both of flavonoids origin, such as quercetin and morin as well as ter-pens and terpenoids.