Mina Fouzi - Department of Biochemistry, Fars Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran
Nematollah Razmi - Department of Biochemistry, Fars Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran
Davood Mehrabani - Stem Cell Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Background: Chemical drugs in treatment of liver diseases are still scare and with many complications. Citrullus colocynthis known as bitter apple is on of herbals that can affect liver function. This study evaluated the effect of C. colocynthis on serum lipid profile and hepatic tissue histology in CCl4-induced liver injury rat model.Methods: In this experimental animal study, forty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 equal groups of control received 1 mL/kg of distilled water, twice a week for 2 weeks intraperitoneally (IP); sham injected with 50% CCl4 identically; and experimental groups administered with just 20 mg/kg of C. colocynthis similarly; receipt of 20 mg/kg of C. colocynthis after induction of fatty liver disease by CCl4, identically; received 50 mg/kg of C. colocynthis in the same manner; and receipt of 50 mg/kg of C. colocynthis after induction of fatty liver disease by CCl4, identically. The triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels were determined and liver tissue changes were assessed histologically before and after interventions.Results: C. colocynthis could decrease TG, total cholesterol (TC), highdensity lipoprotein (HDL), but not low-density lipoprotein (LDL) after liver injury. C. colocynthis could significantly ameliorate the injured liver.Conclusion: Based on the decrease in TG, TC and HDL levels and histological healing picture in hepatic tissue after administration of C. colocynthis, it can be recommended as an alternative medical therapy for liver injuries because it is inexpensive and is easily available. These findings can be added to the literature when targeting treatment of liver injuries.

Citrullus colocynthis, Lipid profile, Fatty liver, CCl4, Rat