ABSTRACT

Background: Spirulina (SP) is a commercial alga well known to contain various antioxidants, especially phycocyanin. Most of the previous reports on antioxidant activity of Spirulina were based on chemical rather than cell-based assays. The primary objective of this study was to assess the potential heptoprotective of Spirulina Platensis based on its antioxidant activity and anti-genotoxicity against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Methods: Oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (3 ml/kg CCl4 dissolved in olive oil (1:1, v/v) five days/week for 6 weeks) induced liver fibrosis in rats. Activities of liver marker enzymes; Alanine transaminase and Aspartate transaminase were estimated, as well as lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status (glutathione peroxidase) were determined in liver homogenate. DNA damage in liver was also evaluated by means of Comet assay. Comet assays and apoptotic cell studies were performed to evaluate the anti-genotoxic effect of SP. Results: The levels of liver enzymes and lipid peroxidation were increased markedly by CCl4, inducing DNA damage and depletion of antioxidant status. Treatment of Spirulina platensis (500mg/kg/5day/week/6ws) to CCl4 challenged rats resulted in decreased liver enzymes activity, DNA damage and lipid peroxidation levels with increase in antioxidant status. Conclusion: Our study clearly demonstrates that Spirulina platensis showed hepatoprotective effect through its antioxidant activity on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats and its antigenotoxicity. The potential application of incorporating Spirulina into food products and beverages to enhance their antioxidant capacity and cytoprotective is worth exploring. Keywords: Spirulina (SP), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), hepato-protective, Comet assay

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2018/March/1519918504MS IJBPAS 2018 4387.pdf

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