Effect of Crataegus extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage

The current study evaluated the effect of a standardized Crataegus extract on liver injury induced by acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) administration in rats. Crataegus extract (10, 20 or 40?mg/kg), silymarin (25?mg/kg) or saline (control) was given once daily orally simultaneously with CCl₄ and for 1?week thereafter. Crataegus extract given at the above doses reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels by 28.8, 31.8 and 36.4%, respectively, when compared to the CCl₄ control group. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels decreased by 14.3, 15.5 and 20.6%, respectively, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased by 21.8% by the extract at 40?mg/kg. The administration of silymarin reduced ALT, AST and ALP levels by 66.8, 64.9 and 60%, respectively. In CCl₄-treated rats, the increase in serum nitric oxide (nitrite/nitrate) level, the histological liver damage as well as the decrease in mucopolysaccharide and protein content of hepatocytes were all improved by Crataegus extract at 40?mg/kg and almost normalized by silymarin. These results suggest that treatment with Crataegus extract improves the CCl₄-induced hepatic injury in rats.