Scholars International Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (SIJTCM)
Volume-2 | Issue-02 | 15-20
Original Research Article
Protective Role of Rosemary Ethanolic Extract on Thioacetamide Induced Hepatic Encephalopathy: Biochemical and Molecular Studies
Alshaimaa M. Said, Rania M. Waheed, Olla A. Khalifa
Published : April 30, 2019
Abstract
Background: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major health concern worldwide with a significant morbidity and
mortality in addition to the economic burden. Oxidative stress, induced from exposure to various pollutants, with the
resultant inflammation contributed to the pathogenesis of HE. This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory effects of rosemary ethanolic extract on thioacetamide (TAA) induced HE. Methods: Rats used in this
study were divided into three groups: control group, TAA group received intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of TAA twice
weekly for 12 weeks, rosemary treated group received i.p injection of TAA twice weekly and oral daily dose of rosemary
ethanolic extract for 12 weeks. Results: The results revealed an obvious state of oxidative stress in liver and brain as
evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels and lowered reduced
glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Additionally, the concentration and gene expression of tumor
necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) indicating a significant inflammatory response.
On the other hand, co-treatment with rosemary extract exhibited a significant improvement antioxidant capacities and
inflammatory status of liver and brain. Moreover, the matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1)
as fibrotic markers were analyzed proposing a possible anti-fibrotic activity of rosemary. Conclusion: it can be
concluded that rosemary extract provide a powerful ameliorating effect against TAA induced HE owing to the
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and possible anti-fibrotic activities of its constituents.