THE POSSIBLE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF FRESH BEETROOT JUICE AGAINST PARACETAMOL INDUCED HEPATOXICITY IN ADULT ALBINO RATS

Hepatotoxicity in the form of acute liver failure is a serious side effect of several drugs most importantly paracetamol. Beetroot main ingredients are nitrate, betalains, phenolics and ascorbic acid, which are responsible for its protective against oxidative stress and inflammation. Aim: This study assessed the possible protective effect of beetroot against liver toxicity induced by paracetamol. Method: Forty adult male rats where divided into four groups (ten/each): control groups, group I and II (with and without beetroot juice), group III, paracetamol treated group (400 mg/kg/day), and group IV protected group (paracetamol concomitant with beetroot juice by gavage 2 ml/day) for one month. Blood samples and liver tissues were collected and subjected to biochemical and microscopic analysis, respectively. Results: Results demonstrated that paracetamol consumption, group III, induced toxicity to the liver evident by high ALT and AST. The intake of beetroot juice concomitantly with paracetamol (group IV) ameliorates its side effects supported by histological findings and liver function chemistry results. Group IV showed a decreased ALT and AST levels to normal levels. Liver tissue and cells appeared close to normal under light and transmission electron microscope. In conclusion, results suggest a complementary effect of beetroot to mediate anti-hepato-toxicity.