Effect of Asteracantha longifolia on Liver Antioxidant Defense System during Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatic Damage in Rats

The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of pretreatment with the methanolic extract of Asteracantha longifolia(AL) seeds on liver antioxidant defense system during acetaminophen-induced liver damage in rats. Acetaminopheninduced liver injury was manifested by a significant increase in the levels of lipid peroxides with a concomitant decrease in the levels of enzymic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase) and non-enzymic antioxidants (reduced glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E). Pretreatment with AL extract reversed these alterations to near normal. Results of the study confirm that pretreatment with AL seed extract is very effective in reducing acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress suggesting its antioxidant property.