Olive leaf extract is used for centuries in treatment of various medical purposes. This investigation aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of an aqueous extract of olive leaves against overdose paracetamol .
18 rats were divided into three groups, control , 0.5 gm/kg B.W. intrapereitoneally (i. p.) paracetamol treated group and rats were given 2.5 gm /kg BW i. p. of olive leaf aqueous extract for three consecutive days prior to the administration of paracetamol.
The results indicated that treatment with paracetamol caused a marked significant increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST),serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) accompanied by severe congestion of central and hepatic portal veins, vacuolization and ballooning also, a lot of pyknotic nuclei were detected with many small necrotic areas of hepatocytes. Meanwhile group treated by olive leaf extract followed by paracetamol displayed significant reduction in serum (AST),(ALT)and (ALP)associated with nearly normal hepatocyte architecture.
In conclusion, an aqueous extract of olive leaves has antioxidant property could protect against liver damage occurred by overdose paracetamol in male albino rats.