Using Biochemical Findings to Study the Effect of Silymarin on the Liver of Pregnant Rat that Consumed Ethanol

In pregnancy period, there is high risk of hepatic diseases and alcohol consumption increases such risk. Some pregnant mothers are not able to quit the habit of drinking alcohol or they are unaware of its dangers. Finding a drug which is effective and efficient in reducing ethanol misuse consequences during pregnancy can assist the decrease of harmful effects of this habit. The purpose of the current research is to investigate the effects of oral administration of silymarin in preventing consequences of ethanol consumption on the liver during pregnancy, using the rat animal model as well as biochemical findings and clinical symptoms. 45 female rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, each composed of 15 rats. After the first day of pregnancy, the study was performed as follows. The first group received distilled water. The second group was given ethanol equivalent to 35% of their total required calorie. Furthermore, the third group received the same amount of ethanol plus 200 mg/kg silymarin. In order to evaluate liver's activity, biochemical analysis was performed at days 1, 7, 14, and 21, to measure the amount of the enzymes ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin. The nutrition and clinical status of animal in the groups was studied and recorded 2 times daily. This study showed that silymarin's protective effects are expressed from the first day of treatment.