Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective role of pumpkin oil on
experimental alcohol e induced hepatotoxicity.
Materials and methods: Rats are divided into three groups of 10 animals each. Group one (G1)
was the control group is orally given distilled water for 4 weeks. Group two (G2) is given
absolute ethyl alcohol (10%) in drinking water for 4 weeks. Group three (G3) alcohole
administered rats were pretreated with pumpkin oil (50 mg/kg body weight) three times
per week for three weeks and alcohol (10%) three times per week (at the first two weeks of
the experiment).
Results: Alcohol caused a marked rise in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate
aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transferase
(gGT) activities. Concerning oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system, the depleted
hepatic glutathione content, glutathione-S-transferase and catalase activities of alcoholadministered
rats were potentially increased above normal levels as a result of pretreatment
with pumpkin oil. However, while elevated lipid peroxidation was noticed in alcohol
treated rats, pretreatment with pumpkin oil produced a detectable decrease in lipid peroxidation
level.
Conclusion: The natural plant components found in pumpkin could improve the liver
against alcohol-induced liver toxicity and oxidative stress. However, further clinical
studies are required to assess the safety and benefits of pumpkin oil in human beings.
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