Histological Study of the Effect of Aqueous Extract of the Beetle Cocoon on Liver Tissue of Male Mice

Traditional medicine has been long used to prevent and/or treat diseases worldwide based on a wealth of experiences, principles, and beliefs in different cultures. Among the extracts used in traditional medicine, we can refer to the aqueous beetle cocoon extract of Larinus maculates popularly known as Tihan in Iraq. To determine the histological effect of this extract on mice liver tissue, the animals were assigned to four groups (n=۵) treated with (۱۵۰,۲۰۰,۴۰۰) mg/kg of Cocoon aqueous extract of Larinus maculates for ۱۴ days, respectively. Histology and immunohistochemistry test was performed to evaluate changes in liver tissue and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels.The results showed various pathological dose-depended changes in the liver tissue, including infiltrations, congestion, and vacuolation, along with some dead cells; moreover, necrotic hepatocytes were observed in the liver of highly concentrated treatment group (۴۰۰ mg kg-۱). In addition, the TNF-α level in the liver tissue was elevated by the increased concentration of the extract. The immunohistochemistry result of positive reaction to TNF-α revealed high reaction in the liver tissue of mice treated with ۲۰۰ mg kg-۱ and ۴۰۰ mg kg-۱, as compared to the control group. Furthermore, as evidenced by the obtained results, changes in hepatocytes and the severity of pathological changes in the liver depends on the concentration of the extract of Larinus maculates.

Keywords:

Larinus maculates , Histological Changes , liver , male mice