Evaluation of hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) against Diclofenac sodium induced hepatotoxicity

Abstract

The most widely used and powerful analgesic, diclofenac sodium, has recently been found to cause hepatotoxicity via oxidative stress. To overcome such negative effects of analgesics, fresh, effective, and safe medicines are of dire need. The hepatoprotective effect of Cannabis sativa (Marijuana) aqueous extract against diclofenac sodium-induced hepatotoxicity was investigated in this study. Thirty-two (32) albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=8). Group 1 was served as control group and did not receive any drug. Group 2 received only diclofenac sodium (5 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. Group 3 received aqueous extract of C. sativa at dose rate of 10 mg/kg/day along with diclofenac sodium (5 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. Group 4 received aqueous extract of Cannabis sativa at dose rete of 20 mg/kg/day along with diclofenac sodium (5 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. The results of AST, ALT and ALP clearly indicated that C. sativa ameliorated the effect of diclofenac sodium toxicity As a significant increase (P<0.05) serum ALT level in group 2 given diclofenac sodium after 14^th (193.75+3.19 IU/L) and 28^th (195.5± 2.783 IU/L) days when compared with control group. Whereas, an improvement in ALT levels was observed in group 3 (158.5+4.3 IU/L at 14^th day and 159.75±.4.81 IU/L at 28^th day) and group 4 (139.75+1.25 IU/L at 14^th day and 130.5±0.6 IU/L at 28^th day) given C. sativa at dose rate of 10 mg/kg/day and 20 mg/kg/day, respectively. While, RBCs count, WBCs count, platelets and hematocrit levels were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in toxic group and C. sativa restored their levels. Thus, this study concludes that aqueous extract of C. sativa ameliorates the toxicity induced by diclofenac sodium and it can be used as hepatoprotective agent but further study will be required to investigate the brief underlying mechanism.