Hepatoprotective effect of ascorbic acid in tramadol-induced toxicity

Tramadol is a commonly abused pain relief medication. Consistent use of drugs impacts the liver immensely, as it is immensely involved in drug metabolism, detoxification, and elimination. Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant that mitigates against oxidative stress and protects tissues from damage. This study investigated the potency of ascorbic acid in ameliorating tramadol-induced histological and biochemical liver damage. Thirty-five (35) Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly selected into five groups. Group A served as the control and was given food and water only. Groups B and C served as the low-dose and high-dose groups and were administered 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of tramadol, respectively. Groups D and E were administered 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of tramadol, respectively, along with 100 mg/kg of ascorbic acid. Tramadol administration raised the levels of liver function enzymes and malondialdehyde (MDA) while decreasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels. Consistent use of tramadol results in congested hepatic central venules and parenchymal edema. Ascorbic acid mitigates the hepatotoxic effects of tramadol usage by controlling oxidative stress and modulating liver function enzyme levels. Ascorbic acid may ameliorate the liver from tramadol-induced toxicity, however, there is a need to understand the mechanism through which ascorbic acid intervenes in tramadol-induced toxicity. This may present clinicians with a potential therapeutic approach to safeguard patients undergoing tramadol treatment against its hepatotoxic effects by utilizing ascorbic acid supplementation.