Study on the Liver-Protecting Properties of Ajuga chamaecistus ssp. tomentella against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Damage in Rats

Abstract

Ajuga species have traditionally been used in Persian medicine to treat conditions such as joint pain, gout, and jaundice. Ajuga chamaecistus ssp. tomentella, known locally as “komafitoos,” is one of the five native species in Iran. This study evaluated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of the aerial part extract of A. chamaecistus ssp. tomentella against acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity in rats. Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups, including a control group receiving normal saline and others were administered with acetaminophen (500 mg/kg) for seven days. The treatment groups received hydro-ethanolic extracts of the plant at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg by gavage; while silymarin (100 mg/kg) was used as a positive control. Biochemical analyses on day eight measured liver function markers (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase , bilirubin, total protein, and albumin) and oxidative stress indicators (glutathione and malondialdehyde). The extract significantly reduced liver enzyme levels and improved lipid profiles by lowering cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein concentrations compared to the acetaminophen-only group. The 200 mg/kg dose showed the strongest protective effects, preventing glutathione depletion and tissue lipid peroxidation, with histological findings confirming minimal hepatic damage comparable to silymarin. These results suggest that A. chamaecistus ssp. tomentella extract at 200 mg/kg exhibits potent hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering properties against acetaminophen-induced liver injury.