Evaluation of Sodium Valproate-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Protective Role of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) and Silymarin in Adult Albino Rats

Background and Objectives: Drugs hepatotoxicity is one of the most prevalent problems seen in medical practice. Many medications are linked to hepatotoxicity, including acetaminophen, tamoxifen and sodium valproate (VPA). The objective of this study is to investigate the preventive impact of silymarin (SIL) and /or vitamin C (Vit.C) on hepatotoxic Sodium Valproate in albino Rats.

Methods: Thirty adult male albino rats were divided equally into six groups; group (I): normal control, group (II): VPA 700 mg/kg, group (III): VPA + SIL 50 mg/kg, group (IV): VPA+ Vit.C 50 mg/kg and group (VI): VPA + SIL +Vit.C, VPA. The animals were killed after 14 days, and livers were taken for histological and biochemical analysis.

Results: After 14 days, animals were sacrificed, and livers were collected for histopathologic examination and biochemical assessment. VPA group exhibited a significant increase in serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Liver sections showed loss of normal pattern of hepatocytes, inflammatory infiltration, congested central vein and fatty infiltration. Each of ascorbic acid and silymarin partially improved the histological pattern of the liver. When they were combined together, they depict marked improvement in the measured parameters and showed normal liver sections.

Conclusion: silymarin (SIL) and /or vitamin C (Vit.C) has hepatoprotective effects against VPA induced toxicity on liver.