Hepatoprotective Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaves on Mercury Chloride-induced Damage in Adult Rats

<h3>Abstract:</h3> <div> <p> </p> <p>This research aimed to assess the potential effect of mint leaf as ameliorative approach in mercury chlorideinduced hepatotoxicity in adult rats. 35 adult rats were randomly assigned to 7 groups, each consisting of 4 animals. Groups A and B received 5mg/kg and 0.5mg/kg of mercury chloride (HgCl2) respectively,  group C served as the control, while groups D and E received 800mg/kg and 1600mg/kg of Mentha piperita ethanolic leaf extract respectively while groups G and H received 800mg/kg + 0.5 mg/kg and 1600mg/kg + 0.5mg/kg of ethanoic leaf extract of Mentha piperita and HgCl2 respectively, for 4 weeks, Twenty-four hours after the final treatment, the rats were weighed and sacrificed under ketamine, and their blood which was collected through ocular puncture and centrifuged to get serum. The liver was harvested, fixed in formalin for histological examination. Data was collected such as body weight differences, organ weight, Alanine transaminase level (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase level (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase level (ALP), RESULT: Decreased ALP levels, Decreased ALT levels (except Group H), Increased AST levels. Combination therapy with EMP and low-dose mercury chloride showed potential benefits. The Histological results showed Group D 800 mg/kg: Mild hepatocellular damage, reduced inflammation, Group E (1600 mg/kg): Minimal hepatocellular damage, near-normal liver architecture while Group G&H Combination therapy (0.5 mg/kg HgCI + 800/1600 mg/kg EMP): Significant reduction in liver damage. With the result of the current study, Ethanolic leaf extract of Mentha piperita exhibits hepatoprotective effects against mercury chloride-induced toxicity, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.</p> </div>