The Protective Effect of Bavachinin on Hepatotoxicity Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Rats

Abstract

Background: Drug-induced liver toxicity is a major health concern as it causes acute liver failure. Bavachinin (BVC) is a natural small molecule isolated from the Chinese herb Fructus Psoraleae. It exhibits various pharmacological properties, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. Objectives: This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of BVC against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatotoxicity in adult male rats. Methods: Twenty-eight adult male Wister rats were obtained from the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute and divided into four groups: Control (potassium citrate buffer and olive oil), BVC-treated (5 mg/kg), hepatotoxic (CCl4-treated) group (1 mg/kg), and treatment (CCl4 + BVC). Bavachinin was administered once a day for four weeks, and CCl4 was administered twice a week for four weeks via the intraperitoneal route. Liver marker enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured and compared among the groups. Significant differences were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey test in GraphPad Prism. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Treatment with BVC reduced the levels of liver marker enzymes and MDA, which were all significantly elevated due to CCl4 toxicity. In the BVC-treated group, AST (194.42 ± 8.96, P < 0.001), ALT (120.71 ± 8.17, P < 0.05), ALP (85.71 ± 5.78, P < 0.01), and MDA (59.85 ± 2.94, P < 0.01) levels significantly decreased on day 14 compared to the CCl4-treated group. Additionally, by day 28, AST (178.57 ± 7.93, P < 0.001), ALT (103.71 ± 7.91, P < 0.01), ALP (77.14 ± 6.88, P < 0.001), and MDA (47.14 ± 4.64, P < 0.001) levels showed even greater reductions compared to the CCl4-treated group. Conclusions: Bavachinin reduces CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. The antioxidant properties of BVC may contribute to its protective effects.