Crocin (active constituent of saffron) improves CCl4-induced liver

Abstract

Background: CCl4 is a widely used xenobiotic for the purpose of causing liver damage in experimental studies. In this study, we aimed to reveal the effects of crocin on liver injury caused by CCl4 via free radical scavenging properties.

Materials and methods: Animals were divided into five groups of 10: control; corn oil; crocin; CCl4 ; CCl4 + crocin. Tissue samples were carefully removed and separated for biochemical and histological investigations.

Results: CCl4 administration led to significant increases in MDA, SOD, CAT and TOS in liver tissue, and AST, ALT and ALP levels in plasma (p <0.05). In addition, CCl4 caused significant decreases in GSH and TAS (p < 0.05). When animals were treated with crocin, high MDA, SOD, CAT, TOS levels, and AST and ALP activities decreased and GSH and TAS levels increased. Control group exhibited normal histological appearance; however extensive necrosis areas were detected in the CCl4 group. In the CCl4 +crocin group, pathological changes were markedly decreased and the appearance of liver tissue was almost similar to the control groups.

Conclusion: Our results showed that crocin suppresses oxidative stress with antioxidant properties and has a protective effect on tissue damage caused by CCl4.