Hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) stigma in comparison with silymarin against rifampin induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Background: Anti-tuberculous drug Rifampin is a potent hepatotoxicant. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of ethanolic extract of Crocus sativus L. stigma (EECSL.S) in comparison with standard drug silimarin against rifampin-induced hepatotoxicity in the rats. Materials and Method: 40 male Wistar rats with the mean body weight of 200±20 gr and age of 10 weeks were randomly assigned into 5 groups of 8 animals and kept in specific cages with 12/12 h light/dark cycle at 21±2οC. Group I as normal control received normal saline (10 ml/kg) and group II as toxicant control received rifampin (500 mg/kg). Group Ш as positive control received silymarin plus rifampin (500 mg/kg) and groups IV and V (50 mg/kg) received EECSL.S at 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg plus rifampin, respectively. All the treatments were carried out through the gavage dissolving in 10 ml/kg normal saline daily for 1 month. At the end of experiment, levels of liver function marker enzymes (Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase and Alkaline Phosphatase), total bilirubin, albumin and total proteins were assessed in serum of the rats. Moreover, histopathological observation was assayed at the degree of hepatic injury. Results: In rifampin-treated rats, silymarin and EECSL.S (40 and 80 mg/kg) significantly decreased the levels of serum biomarker of hepathic injury and total bilirubin and elevated the levels of albumin and total proteins. Histopathologically, silymarin and EECSL.S ameliorated rifampin induced hepatic injury. Histopathological changes were in agreement with biochemical findings.Conclusion: Results indicated that EECSL.S (80 mg/kg) equals with silymarin as standard drug, point of view hepatoprotective effects against rifampin-induced hepatotoxicity