Ameliorative Role of Nelumbo nucifera in CCl₄-Induced Biochemical Toxicity

Abstract

Background: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a common experimental toxicant which causes a high degree of serum biochemical changes associated with liver, kidney and lipid metabolic dysfunctions. The Nelumbo nucifera has been reported to have significant pharmacological properties such as antioxidant and hepatoprotective property. Thus, the present study aimed at evaluating the biochemical effects of lotus petals methanolic extract of N. nucifera against CCl₄ induced toxicity in albino Wistar rats. Methodology: The lotus petals methanolic extract was obtained from the fresh N. nucifera petals. Albino Wistar rats were further subdivided into four groups: control group, CCl₄ only group, lotus petals methanolic extract at 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg b.w. and silymarin standard group. The protective effect of the lotus petals methanolic extract was investigated by serum biochemical markers such as AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, triglyceride and cholesterol. Results: Serum hepatic enzyme markers, bilirubin, renal function markers and lipid profile markers were significantly raised after administration of CCl₄, suggesting biochemical disruption and systemic toxicity. Treatment with lotus petals methanolic extract improved all the serum biochemical parameters in a dose dependent manner. The lotus petals methanolic extract treated group at the highest dose (750 mg/kg) was the most protective against the CCl₄ induced alteration of the AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, triglyceride and cholesterol. Conclusion: Lotus petals methanolic extract showed significant protective effect in terms of serum biochemical parameters against CCl₄-induced toxicity. From the result obtained it may be suggested that the lotus petals methanolic extract can bring hepatorenal and lipid metabolic balance to normal condition and the dose of 750 mg/kg exhibited the maximum response with respect to the other doses of lotus petals methanolic extract tested.