Protective effects of sclareol against paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats, possibly through an oxidative stress-reducing pathway

Abstract

This study evaluates the liver-protective properties of sclareol (SCL), a diterpene derived from plant clary sage. Because of its antioxidant properties, sterol is often used in food and cosmetics. In addition, SCL has neuropharmacological, immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, and anti-cancer properties. The investigation sought to determine the efficacy of SCL in reducing paracetamol (PCM)-induced liver toxicity in rats. The animals were allocated into five separate groups and given the following care: the vehicle group received normal saline; the PCM dosage for the negative control (NC) group was 640 mg/kg; in addition to 640 mg/kg PCM, the treatment groups received SCL at dosages of 5 or 10 mg/kg, while the positive control (PC) group was given 50 mg/kg of silymarin. Blood and tissue samples were obtained from rats treated with an oral dose of paracetamol at 640 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. Serum and hepatic tissue samples were subjected to histological and biochemical assessment. The data showed that PCM therapy resulted in considerable necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration, while the liver structure remained intact in SCL and PC groups. SCL significantly reduced hepatotoxic indicators and corrected PCM-tempted alterations in hepatic enzymes, plasma proteins, serum bilirubin, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and cholesterol levels, particularly at 10 mg/kg dosage. In summary, SCL demonstrated substantial hepatoprotective benefits against paracetamol-induced hepatic toxicity in laboratory animals.