Protective Effects of Ellagic Acid Against Arsenic‐Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats: Impact of Heme Oxygenase‐1 Upregulation

Hepatotoxins, which may originate from chemicals, prescription medications, or medicinal plants, are a major cause of hepatotoxicity. This study aims to evaluate the protective role of ellagic acid (EA) in attenuating As^III-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats. Forty male rats were used and divided into four groups (10 each). Group I: Negative control. Group II received 60 mg/kg/day of EA. Group III was intoxicated with As^III at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. Group IV was intoxicated with As^III and treated daily with 60 mg/kg/day of EA, starting from Day 1 concurrently with As^III for a total of 14 days. According to the study, As^III intoxication (Group III) led to liver damage, as indicated by increased hepatocyte vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, and elevated serum biochemical markers-alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Hepatocyte damage was confirmed through histopathological examination. In contrast, Group IV demonstrated reduced liver damage, mild VEGF expression, HO-1 upregulation, and improvements in biochemical markers. Overall, the findings suggest that EA alleviated As^III-induced hepatotoxicity via the HO-1 upregulation pathway, highlighting the therapeutic potential of EA in managing liver toxicity.