Hepatoprotective Effect of An Aqueous Extract of Rosmarinus officinalis Against Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Albino Rats

Background: Because it induces oxidative stress and the loss of cellular glutathione, acetaminophen (paracetamol) is still a leading cause of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) worldwide. Further investigations are required to prove the unique hepatoprotective effect of the aqueous extract of the medicinal plant Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) on Paracetamol toxicity. Rosemary is well-known for its antioxidant properties. Objective: To find out if an aqueous extract of Rosmarinus officinalis can protect male albino rats from hepatotoxicity. Methods: One hundred twenty-four rats aged 13-14 weeks and weighing from 225-250 grams were used for the research. There were 6 rats per each of 4 groups. G1, the control group that did not receive any treatment, was the first one. The second group G2 was the control group who were given 25 mg/kg of paracetamol. The third group (G3) was treated with aqueous rosemary extract (200 mg/kg). The oral dose of Paracetamol (25 mg/kg) was given to each group every 2 hours after giving an aqueous extract (200 mg/kg) in Group 4 (control group). All oral administration was made through the gavage tube in the 60 day trial. Results: When paracetamol was dosed, there was a significant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in average GSH and CAT levels and significant rise (P ≤ 0.05) in average MDA, ALT, and ALP levels as well as significant increase in the liver impairment score, indicating that this group was better than the control group. In the control group, no significant difference was found between the levels of AST, ALT and ALP at 200 mg/kg ROAE. With 200 mg/kg ROAE+25 mg Paracetamol group, however, there was a significant decrease in AST, ALT and ALP when compared with Paracetamol group. This indicates antioxidant and enzyme activity has been restored to normal level after pre-treatment with the aqueous rosemary extract. The significant increase in GSH and CAT levels and the significant decrease in MDA levels in the ROAE + paracetamol group when compared with the control group indicated that there was a remarkable improvement in the activity of these antioxidant enzymes. Histological examination showed that significant cell infiltration and central tubule degradation were present in the group receiving paracetamol. On the other hand, the groups that were given rosemary showed significant improvement. Preserved hepatocyte morphology, decreased necrotic areas and minimal inflammatory response indicated a strong regenerative response. Conclusion: Based on its bioactive component content, which helped stabilize metabolism and neutralize hepatocyte membrane, the study found that the aqueous rosemary extract had a hepatoprotective effect against paracetamol injury.