The Hepatoprotective Effects of Jatropha integerrima Leaves Extracts on Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) Induced Liver Damage in Rats
Authors: Ali Maqsood , xue Gao 
Published: November 2023

Liver illnesses represent a pressing worldwide health challenge, characterized by notable rates of both death and morbidity. The gravity of the problem is exacerbated by the restricted range of treatment alternatives that are frequently accompanied by unfavorable side effects. There is a growing interest among researchers in the exploration of plant-based hepatotherapeutic medicines, mostly driven by their abundant accessibility and comparatively reduced incidence of adverse effects. In the present context, Jatropha integerrima, a plant indigenous to the region, has attracted considerable attention due to its wide range of bioactive chemicals that are recognized for their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory characteristics. The present work aims to systematically investigate the Hepatoprotective properties of an ethanolic extract obtained from the leaves of Jatropha integerrima in a rat model of liver injury produced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).A cohort of 40 rats was carefully partitioned into eight groups, with each group consisting of eight rats. The study design incorporated several treatments and control groups in order to thoroughly evaluate the protective properties of Jatropha integerrima leaf extract. In this study, Group I was designated as the control group, serving as the standard reference without any intervention. Intraperitoneal injections of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were delivered to experimental groups consisting of elements from Groups II, III, IV, and V, resulting in the successful induction of liver injury. In the context of Group III, a commonly used hepatoprotective medication known as silymarin was provided as a reference substance. Different dosages of the Jatropha integerrima leaves extract were administered to Groups IV and V, with doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. The results of the study demonstrated a significant decrease in the blood levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin in the groups administered with the plant extract, compared to the positive control. This reduction was shown to be dependent on the dosage, as indicated by the statistical significance of the findings (p<0.05). Furthermore, it was observed that both groups treated with plant extracts showed a statistically significant reduction (p<0.05) in overall oxidative stress levels. This reduction was followed by a notable rise (p<0.05) in total antioxidant levels when compared to the positive control group. The hepatoprotective activity of the plant extract was further supported by histopathological investigation of the liver tissue, which demonstrated the protection of hepatocytes against cellular damage caused by CCl4.In summary; the results of this investigation emphasize the hepatoprotective properties exhibited by extracts derived from Jatropha integerrima leaves in mitigating liver damage generated by CCl4 in rats. The findings presented in this study provide significant insights into the therapeutic capabilities of this natural treatment and emphasize its potential as a promising Hepatoprotective agent. These research pursuits have the potential to make important contributions to the advancement of medicines for liver illnesses, therefore addressing a major worldwide health challenge through the utilization of plant-based remedies.