Hepatoprotective Activity of some Natural Herbs in Treatment of Canine Hepatopathy

Herbal plants play a vital role in promoting health and treating various diseases, particularly liver-related issues. This research aimed to assess the efficacy of specific herbal remedies in mitigating steroid-induced liver damage. The experiment involved ten adult dogs, divide evenly into two groups of five animals. Group I was administered dexamethasone, while Group II received dexamethasone alongside a combination of concentrated milk thistle (silymarin), l-carnitine, and licorice powder. Clinical evaluations, blood analysis and ultrasound imaging were conducted on days 0, 7, 14, and 21, while histopathology was performed on day 21. Blood analysis revealed a notable rise in hemoglobin (Hb) and a significant decrease in white blood cell count (WBC) and liver enzymes (ALT and ALP) in treated Group II compared to the liver-damaged Group I. Ultrasound imaging showed increased liver echogenicity in Group I, while Group II exhibited near-normal liver appearance. Histopathological findings in the Group I showed a (75-80%) multifocal hepatocellular degeneration in liver parenchyma beside hepatocellular necrosis while after treatment, this percentage decreased to only 10-15% of liver parenchyma with hepatocellular degenerative changes which nearly resembles the normal liver picture. In conclusion, the medicinal plants have a potential effect in treatment and prevention of steroid induced hepatopathy.