Oxidative Stress, Hematological and Histopathological Alterations Recovery by Methanolic Extract of Celtis Occidentalis L. Leaves in Paracetamol-Induced Hepatic Injury in Rabbit

Background: Paracetamol overdose is a leading cause of hepatotoxicity, resulting in oxidative stress and liver damage. Exploring natural therapeutic agents like Celtis occidentalis for their hepatoprotective effects is essential to mitigate these effects.Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and nephroprotective effects of methanolic extract of Celtis occidentalis leaves in paracetamol-induced hepatic injury in rabbits.Methods: The study involved 40 male rabbits divided into eight groups, including control, paracetamol (2 g/kg), and various doses of Celtis occidentalis extract (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) with or without silymarin (50 mg/kg). The extract's antioxidant potential was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays. Hepatic and renal function tests, lipid profiles, and hematological parameters were measured, and histopathological evaluations of liver tissues were conducted.Results: The extract showed significant antioxidant activity, with 87.7% DPPH and 89.8% ABTS scavenging at 1000 µg/mL. It reduced ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin levels significantly (P<0.05). High dose extract normalized lipid profiles and improved hematological parameters compared to paracetamol alone.Conclusion: Celtis occidentalis extract exhibited potent hepatoprotective effects, normalizing liver function and mitigating oxidative stress, suggesting its potential use in human healthcare for liver protection.