The Protective Effect of Different Doses of Zinc Sulfate and Silymarin Combination against Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Induced Toxicity

Objective: To induce hepatotoxicity with Rifampin and INH in albino rats, to estimate histoprotective effect of combination of ZnSO4 and Silymarin. Methodology: The 'Animal Experimental Study' was carried out of 14 days’ duration (starting from day 0-13). A sample size of 28 healthy albino wistar rats were taken and divided into four equal groups (A, B, C and D). Group A was normal control and was given water once a day orally for 14 days. Group B was toxic control and was given INH+ RIF combination (50 and 100 mg/kg/day respectively). Liver protection of combination of ZnSO4 + Silymarin was evaluated at different doses against combination of Isoniazid and Rifampicin induced damage in group C and D. INH+ RIF combination (50 and 100 mg/kg/day respectively) was used to induce liver toxicity in Group B, C and D. Combination effect of regenerative agents (Silymarin + ZnSO4 (100 + 3.5mg /kg/day respectively) and (200 + 7mg /kg/day respectively) was analyzed in Group C + D respectively by measuring liver function profile (ALT, ALK PO4, AST, Total bilirubin). Results: There was significant elevation of all parameters in Group B, showing liver damage. The level of liver enzymes and total bilirubin was significantly decreased on 13th day (p-value ***< 0.0001) in Group C and D. Comparing Group C, Group D values of only ALT parameter showed significant difference while rest of the parameters did not show any significant difference. A mathematical decrease in AST, ALK PO4, and total bilirubin is evident between Group C and Group D. Conclusion: The present study has shown the hepatoprotective effect of ZnSO4, SM and their combination in half and full doses as evidenced by improvement in liver function profile (ALT, ALK PO4, AST, Total bilirubin). Keywords: Albion rats, Hepato-protection, Isoniazid (INH), Liver profile, Liver toxicity Rifampin (RIF), Zinc sulfate