Evaluating the Protective Potential of Activated Charcoal against Tannic Acid-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Background: There is an increase in substance toxicity and abuse with tannic acid in developing countries in the past few years. Different substances, both chemical and traditional, have been used to neutralize or reduce the toxic effects of tannic acid poisoning. Aim: This study aimed to assess the protective potential of activated charcoal against tannic acid-induced liver poisoning in rats. Methodology: Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: negative control (NC), positive control (PC), and three activated charcoal treatment groups (ACG1, ACG2, and ACG3), each consisting of five rats. NC was neither induced with tannic acid nor treated with activated charcoal. PC was induced with 2260 mg/kg tannic acid but not treated. ACG1, ACG2, and ACG3 were induced with 2260 mg/kg tannic acid and treated with activated charcoal at concentrations of 0.01 mg/ml, 0.02 mg/ml, and 0.03 mg/ml, respectively, starting on the 6th day after induction. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture to assess liver function. Results: The results showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in liver parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, and albumin) following tannic acid poisoning, while a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the same parameters was observed after the administration of activated charcoal. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that tannic acid induces hepatotoxicity, while activated charcoal shows potential in mitigating the toxic effects.