Protective effects of Amaranthus spinosus leaf extract against CCl4-induced hepatorenal injury in rats: Insights from GC-MS analysis

Liver and kidney diseases present significant public health challenges due to limited treatment options, high management costs, and elevated mortality risks. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of Amaranthus spinosus (A. spinosus) in mitigating CCl₄-induced hepatorenal injury in rats. Twenty-five adult male albino rats were divided into five groups: controls (distilled water and CCl₄), two treatment groups receiving A. spinosus extract (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), and a standard drug group treated with silymarin (100 mg/kg). Biochemical evaluations, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, urea, and creatinine, were analyzed using standard protocols. Antioxidant markers, including reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, along with the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were also evaluated. Treatment with ethanolic A. spinosus extract significantly improved biochemical markers, restored antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced CCl₄-induced hepatorenal damage. Histopathological analysis revealed restored liver and kidney architecture with reduced inflammation. Administration of the extract resulted in a reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and LDH levels, alongside an increase in anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels, highlighting its anti-inflammatory potential. GC-MS analysis identified 16 bioactive compounds, including fatty acids, esters, phytol, β-panasinsene, squalene, and vitamin E, which likely contribute to its protective effects. These findings suggest that A. spinosus exhibits significant hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting its potential as a candidate for novel therapies targeting liver and kidney diseases. Further research is needed to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and clinical applications.