Hepatoprotective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Tagetes patula Flowers Against Paracetamol-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Paracetamol (PCM) overdose is a major contributor to acute liver failure, mainly resulting from oxidative stress and the depletion of Glutathione (GSH) triggered by its toxic byproduct, N-Acetyl-P-Benzoquinone Imine (NAPQI). Conventional hepatoprotective agents have limitations, prompting interest in medicinal plants. Tagetes patula (French marigold), traditionally used for hepatic disorders, contains flavonoids and terpenoids with potential antioxidant activity, but its hepatoprotective effects remain underexplored. Aim: To evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Aqueous Extract of Tagetes patula flowers (AETP) against PCM-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: This an experimental animal study was conducted at the Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, India from November 2021 to May 2022. A total of 25 adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups (n=5). Group I received vehicle (control), Group II received PCM (2 g/kg; toxic control), Group III received PCM + silymarin (25 mg/kg; standard), and Groups IV and V received PCM + AETP (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively) for seven days. Serum AST, ALT, and ALP levels were measured, and liver histology was examined. Data were analysed using one-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post-hoc test. Results: The PCM caused significant elevation of AST, ALT, and ALP (p<0.001) and severe histopathological damage. Silymarin markedly reduced enzyme levels and preserved hepatic architecture. AETP treatment produced a dosedependent hepatoprotective effect: 200 mg/kg partially improved biochemical and histological parameters, while 400 mg/kg significantly reduced enzyme levels (p<0.05 vs toxic) and showed improved hepatic architecture. Conclusion: The AETP flower extract demonstrates dosedependent protective effects on the liver against PCM-induced liver injury, likely attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. Additional research is required to elucidate its underlying mechanisms and validate its therapeutic efficacy