Modulatory effect of Morinda citrifolia L. fruit extract on Methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity evidences from histopathology and biochemistry (Research Article)

Author(s): Bhakti A Mhatre and Thankamani Marar *

Abstract: Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is a significant cause of morbidity and is the major reason for withdrawal of therapeutic drugs from the commercial market. The objective of the existing study was to examine the changes in level of serum marker enzymes, liver toxicity and lipid peroxidation caused by administration of Methotrexate (MTX) and to determine protective efficiency of aqueous fruit extract of Morinda citrifolia L in reverting or suppressing detrimental effects of MTX induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the folic acid antagonists widely used in the therapy of various types of diseases and malignancy. It induces cell damage by producing free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Aim of the present work was to investigate the histological and histochemical alterations in the liver of Wistar rat followed by administration of Methotrexate. Liver injury was assessed by investigating serum marker enzymes and liver levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and was correlated to the histopathological observations in the liver. MTX increased the levels of lipid peroxides, AST, and ALT activity, but decreased serum LDH.

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