Hepatoprotective role of Silybum Marianum against Azithromycin-Induced Histological and Biochemical Changes in Albino Wistar Rats

Objective: To observe the harmful effects of azithromycin on the liver of albino Wistar rats and analyze the protective effect of silybum marianum against azithromycin-induced histological and biochemical changes in their liver. Methodology: This experimental study was conducted at the Baqai Medical University, Karachi from December 2023 to March 2024. After ethical approval, 30 male albino Wistar rats were categorized into three groups with 10 rats each. Group A was kept as a control, group B was given azithromycin 200 mg/kg/day for 7 days orally, group C received azithromycin 200 mg/kg/day for 7 days, and silybum marianum (seed extract) 100 mg/kg/day for 21 days orally. After the experiment, all the rats were sacrificed and 3 ml blood was drawn out by cardiac puncture for estimation of liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) & alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The liver of the sacrificed rats was removed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Results: The mean levels of liver enzymes were significantly raised and SOD levels were significantly reduced in group B as compared to group A and C rats. The liver parenchyma of group B rats exhibited significant histopathological changes such as inflammation, hemorrhage, and steatosis, whereas, all group A and most of the group C rats showed no histopathological changes with statistical significance. Conclusion: Azithromycin-treated rats showed significant biochemical and histopathological changes in the liver parenchyma as compared to control group rats. In azithromycin and silybum marianum-treated rats, the biochemical and histopathological changes were significantly reduced as compared to azithromycin-treated rats alone, indicating the hepatoprotective effects of silybum marianum.