Crocin: A promising protective agent against acetaminophen induced-hepatotoxicity in mice

Background: Acetaminophen (APAP) is a common analgesic and antipyretic medicine that can lead to acute liver injury in high doses. Crocin, Crocus sativus ingredient, has a high antioxidant effect. Objectives: This study examined the protective effect of the protective effects of Crocin against APAP -induced oxidative stress in mice.Methods: In this study, 56 mice were randomly divided into 7 groups (n = 8). Negative control group (normal saline 10ml/kg); positive control group received normal saline orally for 5 days, and a single dose of APAP (300mg/kg) was administrated on the 6th day. The third group (NAC), up to 5 days, received normal saline, and on the 6th day, immediately after administration of acetaminophen, received NAC (50mg/kg). Groups 4-6 received respectively 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg of Crocin orally for 6 days.According to the above results, it seems that Crocin has a protective effect on acetaminophen s liver toxicity and can be used as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of APAP induced liver toxicity.Level of ALT, AST, and MDA increased, and activity of CAT, GSH, and GPX decreased in the APAP group compared to the control group. In treated groups, administration of Crocin decreased the serum activity level of AST, ALT, MDA, and increased the activity of CAT, GSH, and GPX. Histopathological results confirmed the above findings.

Keywords:

Acetaminophen , Hepatotoxicity , Crocin , Oxidative stress , Mice