Hepatoprotective Effects of Lawsonia Inermis Aqueous Extract Against Lead Acetate-Induced Liver Injury in Wistar Rats

Lawsonia inermis, or henna, is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its hepatoprotective properties. This study explores its protective effects against lead acetate-induced liver injury in Wistar rats. Thirty-five adult rats were divided into seven groups: Group I (control) received distilled water; Group II received Lawsonia inermis; Group III received lead acetate; Group IV received lead acetate along with 70 mg/kg of silymarin; Groups V and VI received lead acetate alongside 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of Lawsonia inermis, respectively; Group VII received 400 mg/kg of Lawsonia inermis followed by lead acetate after 30 minutes. After 28 days, the rats were sacrificed for analysis. Significant weight increases were observed in Groups IV, V, and VI. The liver body weight index was highest in the control group. Lead treatment led to significant increases in total bilirubin and decreases in aspartate transferase levels. Importantly, treatment with Lawsonia inermis and silymarin reduced the harmful effects of lead exposure, with the 400 mg/kg dose of Lawsonia inermis showing the highest efficacy. Histological analysis confirmed the extract’s ability to mitigate lead-induced liver damage.