Study of the Hepatoprotective Effects of Rutin on Acetaminophen and Carbon Tetrachloride -Induced Liver Injury in Rats

Rutin (3, 3, 4, 5, 7-pentahydrohyflavone-3-rhamnoglucoside) is a nutrient, classified as a bioflavonoid. This study was carried out to determine the potential protective effect of rutin on acetaminophen and carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) induced liver injury. For ccl4, adult male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n=7/group). Group 1 was treated by 1 mg/kg ccl4, twice a week. Group 2 received olive oil. Experimental groups (groups 3-5) received rutin at the doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg respectively (i.p.) once a day plus ccl4. For the acetaminophen study, another 5 groups (n=7/group) were assessed. Group 1 treated by 300 mg/kg acetaminophen, twice a week. Group 2 received saline. Experimental groups (groups 3-5) received rutin at the doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg respectively (i.p.) once a day plus acetaminophen. After 8 weeks, liver functions were assessed by serum biochemistry of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Liver sections were stained with H&E for histopathological assessment. Serum levels of ALT and AST were reduced significantly after 8 weeks treatment by rutin at the doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg (p<0.05). Reduction was more prominent at the dose of 20 mg/kg. Histopathological assessment was shown a reduction in liver damage at the doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg of rutin for acetaminophen and 20 mg/kg for ccl4. Results suggest a potential hepatoprotective activity for rutin. Antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, which has been shown by previous studies, may account for most of the protective effect of rutin.