Selective Attenuation of Acetaminophen-induced Hepatobiliary Dysfunction by Pseudoelephantopus spicatus in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Abstract

Background: Pseudoelephantopus spicatus (PS) is used in ethnomedicine for hepatic disorders; however, its effects on biochemical markers of drug-induced liver injury remain incompletely characterized. This study evaluated the effects of the ethanolic root extract of PS on serum biochemical indices in an acetaminophen-induced acute hepatotoxicity model.

Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats (150-200 g) were allocated into five groups (n = 6/group). PS extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg) and silymarin (100 mg/kg) were administered orally for 10 days. On day 10, hepatotoxicity was induced by a single oral dose of acetaminophen (700 mg/kg) after a 12 h fast. Serum ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, and globulin were quantified 24 h post-administration.

Results: Acetaminophen produced marked elevations in ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin, with reduced serum protein fractions. PS treatment did not significantly reduce ALT or AST levels. However, PS significantly decreased ALP activity at both 500 and 1000 mg/kg (p < 0.001) and reduced total bilirubin dose-dependently (p < 0.01-p < 0.001 vs. acetaminophen control). At 1000 mg/kg, PS significantly restored total protein (p < 0.001) and increased albumin and globulin levels (p < 0.05), indicating partial recovery of hepatic synthetic function.

Conclusion: PS ethanolic root extract produced selective biochemical attenuation of acetaminophen-induced hepatobiliary dysfunction, significantly modulating ALP, total bilirubin, and circulating proteins without significant transaminase normalization. These findings indicate partial functional improvement rather than comprehensive hepatocellular protection. Further studies incorporating histopathology, oxidative stress, and mechanistic analyses are required to establish structural and molecular correlates.