Effects of Averrhoa Carambola Hydro-alcoholic Extract on Acute Lead-Acetate-Induced Liver Toxicity in Rats

In this survey, the effect of Averrhoa carambola fruit hydro-alcoholic extract on acute lead-acetate-induced hepatotoxicity in rats was studied.
In this experimental study, 24 male rats were equally divided to 4 groups. The first group received normal saline orally and served as negative control, the second group received only lead acetate for 5 days and served as positive control group. Groups 3 and 4 were treated orally with Averrhoa carambola at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively, for 10 days. These groups were also received lead acetate (25 mg/kg) during the last 5 days. At the end of the study, serum liver enzymes and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assayed. Besides, histopathological changes of liver were examined under light microscopy.
Findings: Oral administration of Averrhoa carambola fruit extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg had no significant effect on serum levels of malondialdehyde and liver enzymes compared to positive control group. Treatment with Averrhoa carambola fruit extract at dose of 200 mg/kg significantly reduced serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) (P Results showed the protective effect of Averrhoa carambola fruit extract on acute lead-acetate-induced liver injury in rats.