Emblica officinalis Reduces Copper Mediated Inflammation And Preserves Liver Morphology InThe Murine Model

Abstract

Introduction: Copper (Cu) is a metal widely used in agriculture and in industries. Its hepatotoxicity is established in literature. Emblica officinalis, locally known as Amla, has many beneficial health effects and is scientifically reported to be a powerful antioxidant.

Aim & Objective: To determine the role of Emblica officinalis fruit in reducing Cu induced inflammation and distortion of hepatic lobules of adult albino rats.

Place and duration of Study: The study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Shaikh Zayed Medical College, Lahore for a period of 4 weeks.

Material & Methods: 36 Adult male albino rats were equally divided into three groups (A, B, C) by randomization and acclimatized for 1 week. 1.5 ml of normal saline was given to rats of Group A (control) and CuSO4 (200mg/kg b.w./day) was given to those in group B (Cu treated) once daily via orogastric tube. Rats in group C (Cu+EO treated) were given both CuSO4 (200mg/kg bw) and Emblica officinalis fruit extract (300mg/kg bw) once daily by orogastric intubation. The animals were sacrificed after 28 days and livers were dissected out for histological study. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 22.

Results: Cu treated rats developed significant distortion of liver architecture and inflammation while Emblica officinalis co-treatment lead to decreased inflammation with preservation of shape of hepatic lobule. These findings were further confirmed by difference in diameters of hepatic lobules between control, Cu-, Cu+EO- treated groups.

Conclusion: Emblica officinalis, by limiting oxidative damage, ameliorates hepatic inflammation and preserves liver architecture. Therefore, its use as a hepatoprotective agent should be encouraged.