HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF RIFAMPICIN INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY AND ITS MITIGATION WITH AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF STEM BARK OF DARHALDI (BERBERIS LYCIUM ROYALE) IN MALE MICE.

Abstract

To evaluate the histopathological characteristics of rifampin induced liver toxicity and its mitigation by aqueous extract of stem-bark of Darhaldi (Berberis Lycium Royale) in male mice model. Study Design: Randomized comparative study, Place and Duration of Study: The research work carried out for 30 days from 14th April 2014 to 14 May 2014 at the mice quarters of National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad in coordination with Islamic International Medical College (IIMC), Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (RIPS)& Army Medical College (AMC). Methods: This research workconducted on fifty six male mice. They wereindiscriminately grouped into 4 groups (n=14). Group C: Control group given rodent’s food pellet and fresh tap water. Group D: Drug treated group given Rifampicin 50mg/kg BW. Group L.A: Low dose group given low dose aqueous extract of stem bark of Darhaldi + Rifampicin (150mg/kg BW). Group H.A: High dose group kept on high dose aqueous extract of stem bark of Darhaldi + Rifampicin (150mg/kg BW) through gavage tube orally. Two mice were sacrificed to take liver samples for baseline histopathology at zero day. Research progress was assessed by sacrificing two mice at fifteenth day for liver histopathology. All remaining mice sacrificed at the thirtieth day for histopathology of liver. Results: Rifampicin produced severe hepatotoxicity manifested by severe steatosis, hepatocytic ballooning & increased inflammatory infiltrates. Aqueous extracts of stem bark of Darhaldi (Berberis Lycium Royale) produced hepatoprotective effects in dose dependent manner by reversing steatotitic changes, hepatocytic ballooning & high inflammatory infiltrates. Conclusions: Aqueous extract of stem-bark of Darhaldi (Berberis lycium Royale) manifested superbhepatoprotective activity for rifampicin trigerred liver damagein dose dependent manner.