Hepatoprotective effects of Malva sylvestris L. against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity

Malva sylvestris is traditionally used for the treatment of liver diseases, but sufficient pharmacological-based scientific literature is not available online to authenticate its use in liver ailments. We aimed to assess the hepatoprotective effects of Malva sylvestris against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. The extract was concentrated using a rotary evaporator and then desired concentrations of extracts were made by dissolving in normal saline. The standard drug silymarin (100 mg/kg) was used as a reference drug to compare the therapeutic effects of Malva sylvestris. Two different doses of Malva sylvestris (300 and 600 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally for 7 consecutive days followed by intraperitoneal administration of paracetamol (250 mg/kg). Paracetamol significantly induced oxidative stress in the liver, ultimately leading to increased serum levels of liver enzyme markers like alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin. The extract of Malva sylvestris significantly reduced the serum levels of these elevated liver enzyme markers in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological examination of liver tissues also showed hepatoprotective effects of Malva sylvestris in restoring normal functional ability of the liver. The results of our study strongly suggest that the extract of Malva sylvestris has strong hepatoprotective effects against paracetamol-induced liver injury, thereby scientifically affirming its traditional therapeutic role in liver injury.