Hepatoprotective effects of Raphanus sativus (Radish) leaves against toxicity induced by rifampicin in albino rabbits

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious and airborne disease. First line therapy for TB includes isoniazid, pyrazinamide, rifampicin and ethambutol administered for 6-9 months depending upon the severity of disease. This standardized therapy is associated with a number of problems including neuropathy, gastrointestinal and hematological disorders. The current study was planned to evaluate protective effects of Raphanus sativus (radish) leaves against adverse effects associated with antituberculosis therapy. A total of forty rabbits were divided into five groups. Group 1 was kept as control. Group 2 was given rifampicin orally for 28 days while groups 3, 4 and 5 were given silymarin, ethanolic and aqueous Raphanus sativus leaves extract along with rifampicin orally for 28 days respectively. Blood samples were collected before drug administration and at 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days post treatment for hematological and biochemical analysis. Liver tissues were taken for histopathological studies. Results have indicated that group treated with rifampicin causes hepatocellular damage which induces the release of aminotransferases. While group treated with ethanolic Raphanus sativus leaves extract significantly reduced this elevation in enzymes showing hepatoprotective properties against rifampicin induced toxicity. Hematological studies indicated non-significant differences in erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and pack cell volume in treated versus control groups. Histopathological results showed necrosis, hepatic vascular degeneration, congestion throughout cytoplasm and swallowing induced as an adverse effect associated with concomitant use of rifampicin. In conclusion, the alcoholic as well as aqueous extracts of Raphanus sativus leaves have shown potent hepatoprotective effects when administered along with rifampicin and have shown results similar to that of silymarin.