Hepatoprotective effect of Berberis vulgaris L. extract on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats

Barberry fruit extract contains various flavonoids that are considered as antioxidants. The present study was performed with the aim of investigating the hepato-protective potential of the methanolic extract of barberry fruit against carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in rats. This experimental study was performed on 36 male mature Wistar Rats. Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (non-treated، normal، control and three groups treated with barberry extract) and received 10، 100 and 200 mg/kg of barberry extract along with CCl4 (50% CCl4، 0. 5 ml/kg) intraperitoneally for 28 days. After blood sampling and separation of serum، activity of Aminotransferases (ALT and AST)، Alkaline Phosphatase and total serum protein were measured. Data was analyzed by one way variance analysis and Tukey’s test using SPSS 10 software. Administration of CCl4 significantly increased the serum Alanine Aminotransferase، aspartate aminotransferase and Alkaline Phosphatase levels of rats. Treatment with the methanolic extract of barberry fruit significantly altered these changes to almost normal. Oral treatment with barberry fruit extract did not show a significant effect on serum protein. The extract could protect liver against the CCl4-induced oxidative damage in rats and this hepato-protective effect might be contributed to its modulation on detoxification enzymes and its antioxidant and free radical scavenger effects.