Investigating the protective effects of cinnamon bark hydroalcoholic extract on the inhibition of liver damage induced by rifampin in male Wistar rats

Rifampin is one of the common drugs used to treat tuberculosis and is considered a strong toxic agent for the liver. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of cinnamon extract administration on rifampin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

In this experimental study, 60 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. Liver damage and induction of oxidative stress were caused by administration of 80 mg/kg/day rifampin. Different doses of cinnamon extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) were administered to sick mice by daily gavage in three experimental groups. Liver damage caused by rifampin was evaluated by examining serum biochemical factors as well as the amount of reactive oxygen species, glutathione, antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes in liver tissue. Data analysis was done using Prism version 6 software and one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test.

The administration of rifampin at the rate of 80 mg/kg for 21 consecutive days caused liver damage (P<0.05). On the other hand, administration of different doses of cinnamon extract could significantly improve the liver damage caused by rifampin consumption (P<0.05)

According to the results of this study, cinnamon extract with antioxidant properties protects the liver against oxidative damage caused by rifampin. These healing effects were shown in the form of reduction of liver damage markers in serum, reduction of oxidative stress markers and improvement of liver tissue damage.