Hepatoprotective effects of a chemically-characterized extract from artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) against AFB1-induced toxicity in rats

This study was conducted to investigate the protective potential of a pharmaceutically formulated capsule of artichoke leaf powder (ArLP) against aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1))-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. In the 42-day experiment, rats were divided into five equal groups: (i) control, treated with sterile water, (ii) treated with 4% DMSO as AFB(1) vehicle, (iii) ArLP of 100 mg kg(-1) bw, (iv) AFB(1) of 72 mu g kg(-1) bw, and (v) AFB(1) plus ArLP. Exposure of rats to AFB(1) resulted in hepatotoxicity as manifested by the intensification of oxidative stress, production of free radicals and significant increase in the activity levels of liver function enzymes relative to the control. Significant reductions in both the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant markers as well as histopathological abnormalities in liver tissues were also observed. Notably, the combined administration of ArLP with AFB(1) clearly reduced AFB(1)-mediated adverse effects leading to the normalization of most of these parameters back to control levels. These findings clearly highlight the potential benefits of artichoke dietary supplements as a safe and natural solution in counteracting the adverse hepatotoxic effects conferred by AFB(1) exposure. Further research is warranted to fully dissect the biochemical and molecular mechanism of action of the observed artichoke-mediated hepatoprotection.

Automated summary

This study investigates the potential protective effects of artichoke leaf powder against AFB(1)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The combination of artichoke leaf powder and AFB(1) reduces the adverse effects caused by AFB(1).