Ziziphus mauritiana Fruit Extract Inhibits Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Rats

Abstract

The aqueous extract of Ziziphus mauritiana fruit (Zm) was evaluated for its protective activity against CCl4-induced liver damage. 250, 500 mg/kg bw of Zm fruit extract or 100 mg/kg silymarin (standard) were administered to different groups of rats prior to CCl4 administration. Both 250 and 500 mg/kg bw of Zm fruit extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced (dose dependently) the levels of enzymes and non-enzymes markers of tissue damage when compared to rats given CCl4 only. These findings were supported by liver histology and suggest that Zm fruit possessed reach hepatoprotective principles that inhibited the toxicity of CCl4 against the liver.