Ajwa date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is hepatoprotective against toxicity by antituberculosis drugs - an experimental study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Hepatotoxicity induced by antituberculosis drugs is quite common and often linked with oxidative stress. Ajwa dates are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids; therefore, these may be protective against the oxidative stress to liver. This study was designed to determine the hepatoprotective effects of Ajwa dates on hepatotoxicity induced by antituberculous drugs in an experimental model.Methods: This experimental study was conducted at the Post Graduate Medical Institute, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 30 male rabbits were divided into 5 groups, with 6 animals in each group. Group A and B were fed on normal diet. Group C, D, and E were fed on a diet supplemented with whole Ajwa dates, flesh, and seed powder, respectively. Group B, C, D, and E were given isoniazid 50 mg/kg and rifampicin 100 mg/kg orally for 14 days. After the rabbits were sacrificed, hepatotoxic changes were examined histologically in all groups according to standard criteria.Results: Liver to body weight ratio was higher in disease group (B) as compared to the healthy control group A (p-value = 0.03), Ajwa flesh group D (p-value = 0.02) and Ajwa seed powder group E (p-value = 0.07). Differences between experimental groups were not statistically significant for both liver weight, and liver weight to body weight ratio. On histological examination, degeneration, necrosis, steatosis, triaditis, and fibrosis were seen in the disease group B while no such changes were observed in group C, D, and E.Conclusion: Ajwa dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) has a protective role against isoniazid and rifampicin-induced hepatocellular injury and fibrosis.