Hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant role of sun, sulphited-dried apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) and its kernel against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats

The present study was carried to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant role of sun, sulphited-dried apricot and its kernel against ethanol-induced oxidative stress. The hepatopreventive and antioxidant potential of the plant's supplementations were evaluated by measuring level of serum liver damage marker enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT and LDH), antioxidant defense systems (GSH, GR, SOD, GST and GPX) and MDA content in various tissues of rats. Eight experimental groups: I (control), II (20% ethanol), III (ethanol + 15% sun-dried apricot), IV (ethanol + 30% sun dried). V (ethanol + 15% sulphited-dried), VI (ethanol + 30% sulphited-dried), VII (ethanol + 15% kernel) and VIII (ethanol + 30% kernel). According to the results, the levels of serum enzymes increased significantly in the II group as compared to those of I group, but they decreased in the III, IV, V and VI groups as compared to those of II group. Also, administration of sun and sulphited-dried apricot supplementation restored the ethanol-induced imbalance between MDA and antioxidant system towards near normal particularly in tissues but not its kernel. It is concluded that apricot has a hepatoprotective effect in rats with ethanol, probably acting by promoting the antioxidative defense systems. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.