Tatheer Zahra, Shadab Ahmed Butt, Mohammad Arshad.
Effects of beta carotene on liver enzymes in acetaminophen treated rats.
J Rawal Med Coll Jan ;14(1):7-10.

Background: To study the protective role of beta carotene against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: In this randomized control trial , sixty young adult (4-6 weeks old) male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 180-240 g were randomized into three groups. Control group C was given National Institute of Health (NIH) laboratory diet, experimental group A was given toxic dose of acetaminophen 700 mg/kg body weight once daily and experimental group B was given beta carotene 30 mg/kg body weight once daily along with 700 mg/kg body weight acetaminophen once daily for one week. Blood samples were collected 24 hours after the last dose for biochemical assay. Results: Biochemical analysis showed significant difference in serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin levels in experimental group A as compared to control group C. These levels in experimental group B were significantly different from experimental group A; but significantly similar to control group C. Conclusion: Beta carotene has hepatoprotective properties against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

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