Protective Effect of Nanjunda Extract and/or Silymarin Against Thioacetamide-induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats

Background: Liver fibrosis is a hallmark histologic event of chronic liver diseases and is characterized by the excessive accumulation and reorganization of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Thioacetamide (TAA) exerts hepatotoxic effects induced liver fibrosis. Herbal plants play a role in the management of various liver disorders most of which speed up the natural healing processes of the liver. One such plant is Nanjunda (Balanites aegyptiaca). Aim: The main purpose of the present study is to evaluate the hepato-protective and antioxidant effects of Nanjunda (Balanites aegyptiaca) extract on liver fibrosis induced by TAA in rats. Materials & Methods: Swiss male adult albino rats were divided into 5 groups: Group 1, kept as control group; groups 2-5 were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with TAA (200 mg/Kg) twice weekly for 8 weeks to induce hepatic fibrosis. Groups 3-5 were administered daily doses of Balanites aegyptiaca extract (100 mg/kg), Silymarin (100 mg/kg) and combined treatments, respectively. Results: Our results indicated that TAA caused significant alterations in biochemical and histological manner of liver [increase in serum levels of aminotransferases, metalloproteinase, and galctin-3, elevation in oxidative stress (increase malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and decrease antioxidants enzyme activities)].While, administration of Balanites aegyptiaca extract and/or Silymarin attenuated TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis, improved liver enzymes and reduced the oxidative stress. Balanites aegyptiaca extract exhibited a significant effect showing increasing levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), by reducing MDA and NO levels. Conclusion: In conclusion, the combined effect of Nanjunda (Balanites aegyptiaca) extract with Silymarin had powerful hepato-protective and antioxidant effects.