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THE EFFECT OF PLANT EXTRACT ON BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN THE BLOOD
PLASMA OF HEPATITIS MODEL RATS
Tazhieva Oyimjan
Lecturer,
Urgench College of Public Health
named after Abu Ali ibn Sino
Zaynieva Makhbuba
Master,
National University of Uzbekistan
Izzatillaeva Sabina
Master,
National University of Uzbekistan
izzatillayevasabina3@gmail.com
Yunusova Muslima
Acting associate professor of the
National University of Uzbekistan, PhD
Zhalilova Charos
PhD, National University of Uzbekistan
Norkilicheva Shokhida
Lecturer,
Branch of Kazan (Volga Region)
Federal University in Jizzakh
Kuziev Sherali
Associate Professor of the
National University of Uzbekistan, PhD
Abstract:
This experimental study evaluated the hepatoprotective properties of aqueous and
alcoholic extracts prepared from cabbage leaves (Brassica L.) in a model of hepatitis induced by
carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). During the study, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT),
aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin in blood plasma, and
malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver homogenate were measured. The results demonstrated the
effectiveness of cabbage leaf extracts in reducing liver damage and enhancing antioxidant
protection.
Keywords:
Brassica L.
, hepatoprotection, carbon tetrachloride, antioxidant, ALT, AST, MDA
Introduction.
Hepatitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of liver tissue and can be
caused by viruses, toxic substances (such as carbon tetrachloride), pharmaceutical agents, or
autoimmune factors. Toxic forms of hepatitis are studied using experimental models to evaluate
the efficacy of novel protective agents. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is widely used for modeling
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toxic hepatitis, as it enhances lipid peroxidation by generating free radicals in liver cells and
causes damage to cellular membranes [7].
In recent years, plant-based preparations have attracted significant interest as hepatoprotective
agents. The cabbage plant (Brassica L.), belonging to the Brassica genus, contains bioactive
compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties [1, 2].
Materials and Methods
The experimental animals were divided into five groups:
1.
Healthy Control (HC) – no substances were administered.
2.
Hepatitis Model (HM) – only CCl₄ was administered.
3.
HM + Aqueous Extract – hepatitis model + aqueous extract of cabbage leaves (30 mg/kg,
orally).
4.
HM + Alcoholic Extract – hepatitis model + alcoholic extract of cabbage leaves (30
mg/kg, orally).
5.
HM + Karsil – hepatitis model + standard hepatoprotector Karsil (30 mg/kg, orally) [5].
Biochemical analysis.
After a 10-day experiment, the levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase)
and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) were evaluated in the blood samples of the animals [6].
Results
ALT and AST enzymes are key intracellular liver enzymes, and their elevation in plasma
indicates damage to hepatic parenchymal cells. ALT, in particular, has high specificity for liver
tissue. In healthy rats, the ALT and AST levels remained within physiological limits, measuring
16.7 and 31.3 U/L, respectively. This indicates intact liver cell membranes and good functional
status. In the model group administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), ALT and AST levels were
significantly elevated (ALT – 40.6; AST – 65.4 U/L), suggesting that CCl₄ damaged hepatocyte
membranes, leading to the leakage of these enzymes into the bloodstream. This increase is
associated with enhanced lipid peroxidation and hepatocellular necrosis caused by CCl₄. Similar
findings were reported by Ilbey et al. (2019), who observed a 2–3-fold increase in ALT and AST
levels in CCl₄-treated rats [3].
In rats treated with the aqueous plant extract, ALT and AST levels decreased compared to the
hepatitis model group (ALT – 22.5; AST – 36.7 U/L), indicating a partial hepatoprotective effect
of the extract. Polyphenols and flavonoids present in the plant may have mitigated liver damage
by neutralizing free radicals. In the group receiving the alcoholic extract, ALT and AST levels
were 27.4 and 40.2 U/L, respectively, which suggests the aqueous extract was relatively more
effective. This may be due to more efficient extraction of bioactive compounds in water.
Glucosinolates and flavonoids are particularly more extractable in aqueous media. Kwon et al.
(2014) demonstrated the hepatoprotective effect of cabbage extract against CCl₄-induced liver
injury and confirmed its efficacy in reducing enzyme levels [4].
In the group treated with the standard hepatoprotector Karsil, ALT and AST levels were the
lowest (ALT – 21.4; AST – 34.5 U/L), reaffirming the drug's high efficacy. However, the fact
that the aqueous extract showed comparable results indicates that cabbage extract may have
potential as a hepatoprotective agent. The dynamics of ALT and AST enzymes confirm that the
CCl₄-induced liver injury model was successfully established.
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The activity levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase
(AST) enzymes in rat blood serum (M±m, n=5)
The aqueous extract of cabbage (Brassica L.), in particular, demonstrated hepatoprotective
properties by restoring the levels of liver enzymes to values close to those in the control group.
These findings suggest that cabbage extract may be a potential protective agent in the treatment
of hepatitis.
Conclusion.
Experimental studies have demonstrated that both aqueous and alcoholic extracts of
cabbage (Brassica L.) leaves have a positive effect on liver function in a hepatitis model. In rats
with induced hepatitis, levels of ALT (40.6 U/L) and AST (65.4 U/L) were significantly elevated
compared to healthy animals, indicating serious hepatic dysfunction. The administration of
cabbage extracts significantly normalized these biochemical indicators, supporting their potential
as effective hepatoprotective agents.
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