Protective effect of Centella asiatica on AlCl₃ and D-galactose induced hepatotoxicity in rats through the alleviation of oxidative stress as demonstrated by histological changes in liver

Background: Injury to the liver resulting from drug exposure is known as hepatotoxicity. Drug-induced liver damage is a clinical consequence that can be challenging to recognise, avoid, and manage. After administering Centella asiatica extract to rats that have hepatotoxicity induced by AlCl₃ and D-galactose, we evaluated the histopathological alterations in the hepatic tissue and measured the concentration of oxidative and anti-oxidative activity.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the protective benefits of Centella asiatica extract on AlCl₃ and D-galactose-induced hepatotoxicity.

Materials and methods: Male albino Wistar rats were used in this study. Centella asiatica extract (100mg, 200mg and 300mg/kg/day) was given orally to the AlCl₃ and D-gal induced hepatotoxic rats for seventy days. At the end of treatment, the liver was harvested and the activity levels of oxidative and antioxidative enzymes were determined. Histopathological changes in the liver were also documented.

Results: Centella asiatica extract significantly raised the levels of SOD and catalase in liver homogenates, while lowering MDA levels and suppressing histopathological changes such as bridging necrosis, intralobular degeneration, focal necrosis, and fibrosis alterations in the liver.

Conclusion: Centella asiatica extract reduced oxidative stress levels in drug-induced hepatotoxicity by attenuating histological changes and normalising the levels of oxidative stress indicators in the liver.