Abstract

Background: Researchers are interested in finding new agents with natural sources to cure oxidant-induced diseases. Objectives: The study aimed at determining the antioxidant potential and protective effect of S. grossheimii extract against alcohol-induced fatty liver. Methods: This experimental study was performed in Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran. In 2016 - 2017. The sample size was determined to include 22 male Wistar rats (150 -200 g) using Morgan's table. In tota1,18 rats were divided into three different groups to receive (1)1 mL water daily (control), (2)1 mL alcohol daily (alcohol group), and (3)1 mL extract (500 mg/kg) and alcohol daily (alcohol + extract). Tissue and blood samples were obtained to determine the protective effect of S. grossheimii extract against alcohol-induced fatty liver by histological and biochemical examinations. The antioxidant activity of the extract was also assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Results: The extract possessed stronger antiradical activity (IC50: 0.102 +/- 0.002 mg/mL) than Vitamin C (IC50: 0.162 +/- 0.009 mg/mL). The histological studies found liver tissue injury in group 2 and biochemical examinations indicated significantly lower (P < 0.05) total protein content (0.205 +/- 0.002 mg/g.W.t) and superoxide dismutase (42.11 +/- 0.18 U proteiMmin) enzyme tissue activity than group 1(TP: 0.236 +/- 0.003 mg/g.W.t and SOD: 62.22 +/- 0.90). In addition, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than group 1. Also, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) serum enzyme levels (314.33 IU/L) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in alcohol-treated animals than in group 1 (152.33 IU/L). However, these injuries were remarkably lower (P < 0.05) in animals treated by the extract (group 3). Conclusions: The results demonstrated the strong pharmaceutical activity of S. grossheimii extract to apply as a new antioxidant agent, especially for the treatment of fatty liver.