ABSTRACT
Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is one of the chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agents. It has multiple toxic effects, particularly hepatotoxicity. Ecballium elaterium (EE) plant is found in the Mediterranean counties. It has been used as a traditional medicine. Objectives: This work aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of EE fruit juice on hepatotoxicity induced by CP in rats. Material and methods: 28 male rats were divided into equal 4 groups: control group, EE group (0.2 mL/kg orally for 10 days), CP group (2 doses of 150 mg/kg intraperitoneally in the first 2 days), and EE plus CP group. Biochemical analysis for serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin and albumin were carried out. Hepatic oxidant/antioxidant markers; glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and lipid peroxidation product; malondialdehyde (MDA) in addition to pro-inflammatory mediators; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α), interleukin (IL-1β) and IL-6 were evaluated. Histopathological examination of the liver was investigated. Results: Serum liver enzymes and total bilirubin were significantly increased with a decrease in albumin in the CP treated group compared to control group. CP induced depletion of oxidative stress defensive pathways with increased MDA levels. The examined pro-inflammatory mediators were significantly elevated as compared to control group with disruption of hepatic histopathology. All these hepatic disturbances were ameliorated by administration of EE fruit juice with CP. Conclusion: Administration of EE fruit juice ameliorates the hepatotoxicity induced by CP through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.