Antihepatotoxic potential of Sargassum polycystum (Phaeophyceae) on antioxidant defense status in D-galactosamine-induced hepatitis in rats

Abstract

We have examined the protective effect of ethanol extract of Sargassum polycystum on hepatic antioxidant status in D-galactosamine-induced hepatitis in rats. Levels of diagnostic marker enzymes [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK)] in plasma, lipid peroxides, reduced glutathione and the activities of glutathione dependent antioxidant enzymes [glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST)] and antiperoxidative enzymes [catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] in the liver tissue were determined. Prior oral administration of S. polycystum extract [125mg/kg bodyweight/day for 15 days] considerably (P<0.05) attenuated the D-galactosamine-induced increases in the levels of diagnostic marker enzymes in plasma of experimental rats. It also demonstrated an antioxidant activity against D-galactosamine-induced hepatitis by inhibiting the stimulation of lipid peroxidation and by preserving the hepatic enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system at near normal. The antihepatotoxic potential of S. polycystum might be related to its antioxidant property and membrane stabilizing action.   Key words: Sargassum polycystum, D-galactosamine-induced hepatitis, diagnostic marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes