Potential antioxidant properties and hepatoprotective effects of Juniperus phoenicea berries against CCl 4 induced hepatic damage in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of Juniperus phoenicea (J. phoenicea) berries against CCl4 -induced oxidative damage in rats.

METHODS: Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino Wistar rats by single dose of CCl4 dissolved in olive oil (1 mL/kg BW, 1/1 in olive oil, i.p.). Aqueous extract of J. phoenicea berries (AEJP) was administered at the dose of 250 mg/kg/day by gavage for 12 days.

RESULTS: Obtained results revealed that administration of CCl4 caused a significant increase in plasma ASAT, ALAT, ALP and LDH activities and total bilirubin concentration, compared to the control group. While, albumin and total protein concentration were significantly lower. Additionally, a significant decrease in the level of hepatic GSH, GPx and GST activities associated with a significant increase of MDA content in CCl4 group than those of the control. However, the treatment of experimental rats with AEJP prevented these alterations and maintained the antioxidant status. The histopathological observations supported the biochemical evidences of hepatoprotection.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present investigation indicate that J. Phoenicea possesses hepatoprotective activity and this effect was may be due to its antioxidant properties.