Hepatoprotective Effects of Ajwa Seed Oil Against CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

Background: As a major metabolic organ, the liver is constantly exposed to toxic substances. Although the flesh and seeds of Ajwa dates have been established to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the hepatoprotective potential of Ajwa seed oil (ASO) against CCl4-induced damage has yet to be ascertained. Methods: Twenty-four adult male mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 6 per group): control (oral saline for 12 days), CCl4-treated [saline for 12 days plus a single dose of CCl4 dissolved in corn oil 1:1 (1 mL/kg)], CCl4 + ASO (100 mg/kg ASO administered daily for 12 days, followed by CCl4), and CCl4 + silymarin (100 mg/kg silymarin administered daily for 12 days, followed by CCl4). Blood and liver samples were collected 24 h after CCl4 administration for biochemical and histological analyses. Results: ASO treatment substantially reduced CCl4-induced liver damage by restoring normal serum liver enzyme levels (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase; p < 0.05), lowering elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, and increasing albumin levels (p < 0.05). The treatment significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by decreased malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.0001), and concurrently restored the total antioxidant capacity. Histological analysis revealed the preservation of liver architecture, reduced collagen deposition, and maintenance of glycogen storage (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings in this study revealed that ASO has beneficial hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced injury, which can be attributed largely to its antioxidant properties, as evidenced by restored total antioxidant capacity and reduced lipid peroxidation. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms may also contribute, as suggested by the histological reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration; however, direct measurement of inflammatory biomarkers warrants investigation in future studies.