Protective Effects of Extract from Dates (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) and Ascorbic Acid on Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The ameliorative activity of aqueous extract of the flesh of dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and ascorbic acid on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity was studied in rats. Sixty male rats were divided into six equal groups of 10. Two groups were controls, one treated with thioacetamide and one with only distilled water. Two groups received extract of flesh Phoenix dactylifera and intraperitoneal (IP) thioacetamide (400 mg/kg) either before or after administration of flesh extract. Two groups received ascorbic acid and intraperitoneal (IP) thioacetamide (400 mg/kg b.wt.) either before or after administration of ascorbic acid. Liver damage was assessed by estimation of plasma concentration of bilirubin and enzymes activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase ( ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), γ glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase and serum alpha fetoprotein and serum total testosterone. Treatment with aqueous extract of date flesh or by ascorbic acid significantly reduced thioacetamide-induced elevation in plasma bilirubin concentration and enzymes. This study suggests that thioacetamide-induced liver damage in rats can be ameliorated by administration of extract of date flesh and ascorbic acid.