Hepatoprotective effect of atomized hydroethanolic extract from Andean purple (Zea mays L.) in induced hepatic injury in rats.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the hepatoprotector effect of hydroalcoholic extract atomized of Zea mays against hepatic injuries induced in rats. Design: Experimental. Institution: Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, Faculty of Human Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Biological material: Hydroethanolic extract atomized of purple corn (EAM). Interventions: To six groups of male rats (n = 10, for each group) phenobarbital 0.5 g/L in drinkable water ad libitum was administered for 15 days, followed by carbon tetrachloride 0.2 mL/kg p.o. The experimental design was a follow: G1: normal; G2: CCl4 0.2 mL/kg (T); G3:T+ silimarina 25 mg/kg; G4: T+ EAM 500 mg/kg; G5: T + EAM 1 000 mg/kg; G6 T + EAM 2 000 mg/kg. Main outcome measures: Hepatic profile, reactive species to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), liver index, and histological observation. Results: Significant increase (p<0.05) in ALT activity was observed between group G2 in comparison to groups G3 and G4 (p<0,001). There was significant decrease (p < 0.05) of alkaline phosphatase (AP) in group G2 with respect to G1. TBARS level was less in the group that received 1 000 mg/kg of EAM regarding to control. HDL-C and triglycerides activities did not show significant differences. Reduction in 60% of hepatic injury was observed, evidencing less damage of the hepatocyte by histological study. Conclusions: The purple corn atomized hydroethanolic extract at 1 000 mg/kg dose decreased induced hepatic injuries in rats.