Protective effect of Walnut (Juglans regia L.) extract against CCl4 - induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is widely distributed all over the world. Dry seeds, (nuts), as well as green walnuts, shells, bark, green husks (epicarps) and leaves, have all been used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. In the present study, hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic extract of walnut leaves was investigated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage in rats.

This experimental study was done on 36 rats divided into six groups. Adult male rats were orally administered different doses of walnut extract (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bw/daily) along with CCl4 (50% CCl4, in olive oil, 1 ml/kg, intrapertioneally) twice a week for 28 consecutive days. Biochemical parameters like alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase and total protein levels in the serum were determined. Statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA test.

Administration of CCl4 increased the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase (p<0.01). Treatment with the ethanolic extract of walnut leaves significantly decreased the above parameters (p<0.01).

Ethanolic extract of walnut leaves could protect liver against the CCl4-induced oxidative damage in rats, and this hepatoprotective effect might be due to modulation of toxic and oxidant enzymes and also to the scavenger effect on free radicals.