Oliveria decumbens Extract Exhibits Hepatoprotective Effects Against Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Liver Injury in Rats by Reducing Oxidative Stress

Background: Cholestasis is described as a disease in which bile flow from the liver is reduced or stopped, and due to its oxidative effects, irreversible consequences may occur. Due to the remarkable antioxidant properties of Oliveria decumbens (OD) and the contribution of oxidants to the progression of bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced cholestasis, Objectives: This research aimed to examine how the OD ethanolic extract affected liver damage and oxidant-antioxidant balance markers in BDL-induced cholestasis. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats weighing 200 - 250 g were used. Cholestasis was induced using the BDL approach. The rats were categorized into four groups: Group 1, sham control (SC); group 2, cholestatic; group 3, SC + OD; and group 4, cholestatic + OD. A dose of OD ethanolic extract was administered orally (500 mg/kg/day) to rats for seven days. Seven days following surgery, the rats’ blood samples were collected; after sacrifice, a part of the liver tissue was isolated. A histopathological examination was performed, while the rest was stored at -70°C in liquid nitrogen. Heparin-containing tubes were used to gather blood samples. In plasma and hepatic tissue, biochemical tests, histopathological evaluations, and oxidative stress markers staining levels were performed. Results: Our findings showed that OD could effectively reduce liver injury by reducing the activity of liver function enzymes (AST and ALP). At the same time, it did not affect total bilirubin and protein. Bile duct ligation-induced hepatic markers of protein oxidation (PCO) and reactive nitrogen species (NO) were significantly decreased by OD, and it also promoted liver antioxidant capacity by enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Moreover, OD treatment prevented liver bile duct proliferative changes in histopathologic analysis. Conclusions: Our study confirmed that OD exerts substantial hepatoprotective activities against BDL-induced cholestasis by improving liver damage markers and regulating oxidative stress. It may be a beneficial therapeutic agent for managing cholestasis. Bioassay-guided isolation and identification of bioactive OD secondary metabolites can further direct the discovery of potential natural-based drug candidates.