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Croton zehntneri Essential oil prevents acetaminophen-induced acute hepatotoxicity in mice

Felipe C. Lima, Daniel F. Sousa, Jamile M. Ferreira, Roberto C. P. Lima Jr., Adriana R. Tomé, José Henrique L. Cardoso, Maria Goretti R. Queiroz and Adriana R. Campos

1 Biomedical Science Superior Institute, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza , CE, Brazil

2 Clinical Analysis Department, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza , CE, Brazil

3 Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza , CE, Brazil

4 Vice-Rectory of Research and Post-Graduation, Fortaleza University , Fortaleza , CE, Brazil

Abstract: Hepatoprotective activity of Croton zehntneri Pax & Hoffman (Euphorbiaceae) leaf essential oil (EOCz) was evaluated against single dose of acetaminophen-induced (500 mg/kg, p.o.) acute hepatotoxicity in mice. EOCz significantly protected the hepatotoxicity as evident from the activities of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) activities, that were significantly (p<0.01) elevated in the acetaminophen alone treated animals. Histopathological examinations of liver tissue corroborated well with the biochemical changes. Hepatic steatosis, hydropic degeneration and necrosis were observed in the acetaminophen treated group, while these were completely absent in the standard and EOCz treated groups. In conclusion, these data suggest that the Croton zehntneri essential oil can prevent hepatic injuries from acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

Keywords: Croton zehntneri; acetaminophen; hepatoprotective; mice.