Aceclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity: An ameliorative effect of Terminalia bellirica fruit and ellagic acid

Core Tip

Core Tip: Hepatotoxicity is the most serious adverse effects of aceclofenac (ACF). In this study, ACF-induced hepatic damage in rats was investigated. ACF administration (15 mg/kg/d) for 21 d produced severe hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress as demonstrated by abnormal elevations in serum and tissue markers. Co-administration of Terminalia bellirica fruit extracts (200 mg/kg) and ellagic acid (40 mg/kg) significantly attenuated ACF-induced hepatotoxicity. These results showed that supplementation with the test compounds led to restoration of serum liver function markers (SGOT, GPT, GGT, LDH, ALP, total protein, urea, uric acid, creatinine) and hepatic antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase, catalase, TBARS). Hence T. bellirica fruit extracts and ellagic acid have the potential to act as a hepatoprotectant and antioxidant in the treatment of drug-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of T. bellirica fruit extracts and ellagic acid as hepatoprotective agents against ACF-induced hepatotoxicity.