Hepatoprotective Effect of Cornus mas Fruits Extract Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Damage in Male Albino Rats

Background: In the recent years, the focus of consumers to less popular fruits such as Cornus mas, with unusual flavor as well as rich antioxidant and anthocyanins content has increased. C. mas fruits have been used for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of C. mas fruits extract (CMFE) against carbon tetrachlorideinduced hepatic damage in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced by administration of CCl4 (1 mL/kg i.p. (Intraperitoneal)) in olive oil with 1:1 dilution ratio. To evaluate the effect of CMFE on the disease progression, serum marker enzymes, serum total protein and albumin, liver lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activities were determined in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Results: Oral administration of CMFE to rats for 16 days, afforded significant (P 0.05) hepatoprotection against CCl4-induced elevation in serum marker enzymes activities, serum total protein and albumin, and liver lipid peroxidation, as well as significant (P 0.05) reduction in liver antioxidant enzymes activities, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Conclusions: The present study indicated that the beneficial effect of C. mas extract might be due to the presence of some antioxidant components with membrane-stabilizing effects.