Crocin Possesses Excellent Hepatoprotective Effects Against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

Background: Acetaminophen (APAP) is a common analgesic and antipyretic medicine that can lead to acute liver injury at high doses. Crocin, a Crocus sativus’ ingredient, has potent antioxidant effects. Objectives: This study examined the protective effects of crocin against APAP-induced oxidative stress in mice. Methods: In this study, 56 mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 8 per group), including the negative (normal saline, 10 mL/kg) and positive (oral normal saline for five days + a single dose of APAP (300 mg/kg) on day 6th) control groups. The third group (NAC) received normal saline for up to five days, and on the 6th day, immediately after the administration of acetaminophen, received NAC (50 mg/kg). Groups fourth to sixth received respectively 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg of crocin (orally for six days), followed by a single dose of APAP (300 mg/kg) on 6th day. The last group received crocin (50 mg/kg) for six days. Then 24 h after the last injection, the animals were sacrificed, and samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. Results: The levels of ALT, AST, and MDA increased, and the activity of CAT, GSH, and GPX decreased in the APAP-treated group compared to the control group. In APAP-treated groups, the administration of crocin decreased the serum levels of AST, ALT, and MDA and increased the activity of CAT, GSH, and GPX. Histopathological evaluations confirmed the above findings. Conclusions: According to our results, it seems that crocin has a protective effect against acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity and can be used as a therapeutic agent to treat APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.