Aleppo galls alleviate paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity and tissue damage: an experimental study.

Background: Acute paracetamol toxicity is a common and potentially life-threatening emergency causing liver failure that may necessitate liver transplantation. Unfortunately, current therapies are still defective.

Objectives: To investigate the protective effects exerted by Aleppo galls (Quercus infectoria Olivier) extract against acute paracetamol toxicity in mice.

Methodology: Eighteen mice were divided into three experimental groups, each included six mice in each group. The groups included: negative control group, paracetamol toxicity group that received an acute toxic intraperitoneal dose of paracetamol (250 mg/kg) for four consecutive days, and treatment group (received 250 mg/kg paracetamol followed few hours later by Aleppo galls extract for the same duration). Animals were anaesthetized using ether anaesthesia. Animals were sacrificed by decapitation and blood samples were drawn. Paracetamol toxicity effects versus Aleppo galls protection were evaluated on liver function tests, liver histology, serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides.

Results: Acute paracetamol toxicity caused significantly elevated serum transaminases (ALT and AST), decreased serum albumin, and increased serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Aleppo galls extract exerted significant protective effects and restored near normal serum levels of the previously-mentioned parameters. Upon histopathological evaluation, mice in the control group showed normal hepatic architecture with preserved hepatic cords and sinuses. Acute paracetamol toxicity induced peripheral zonal degeneration with focal necrosis of the hepatic tissue. The hepatocytes showed cytoplasmic vacuolation with indistinct cell borders. Central hepatic venules were congested. Administration of Aleppo galls extract reduced the tissue damaging effects induced by paracetamol toxicity with only minimal residual degenerative changes that were observed with absent necrosis.

Conclusion: Quercus infectoria Olivier (Aleppo galls) is a promising source of phytochemicals and future therapeutics.