Hepatoprotective effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Cichorium intybus in a rat model of obstructive cholestasis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Obstructive cholestasis increases the levels of oxidants and inflammatory mediators, leading to liver damage. Previous studies have found that Cichorium intybus possesses anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of C. intybus leaves were assessed in a rat model of obstructive cholestasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6 rats per group): sham-operated, control [bile duct ligation (BDL) + vehicle)] and BDL + extract treatment (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day, i.p.) groups. Rats received treatments for 7 consecutive days. On the eighth day, prothrombin time (PT); serum albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase and total and direct bilirubin levels and total antioxidant and paraoxonase activities were measured using colorimetric methods. In addition, tumour necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The hydroalcoholic extract of C. intybus significantly decreased PT and the serum levels of AST, ALT, TNF-α and NO compared with the control group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the serum albumin levels were increased in the extract-treated groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The hydroalcoholic extract of C. intybus protects the liver against injury induced by obstructive cholestasis.