Hepatoprotective and Nephroprotective Activity of Artemisia absinthium L. on Diclofenac-induced Toxicity in Rats

Background: Artemisia absinthium L. is known for its antimalarial activity however, hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extracts has also been reported but, nephroprotective activity not yet evaluated. Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activities of A. absinthium against diclofenac-induced toxicity on rats. Materials and Methods: Three different doses of methanol and ethyl acetate extract of A. absinthium (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day) were evaluated and compared with silymarin 100 mg/kg. Rats received these doses for 5 days and on the 3rd and 4th day diclofenac (50 mg/kg i.p.) was administered 1 h after treatment. Animals were sacrificed 48 h after the last injection of diclofenac. Biochemical blood parameters like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea and creatinine, and histopathologic changes of liver and kidney were studied and evaluated. Results: A. absinthium reduced the elevated blood levels of ALT, AST, ALP, urea and creatinine with the methanol extract to 200 mg/kg/day being more effective. The histopathologic evaluation suggested that A. absinthium decreased hepatic and renal necrosis induced by diclofenac. Conclusions: Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activities of methanol and ethyl acetate extract of A. absinthium were demonstrated, being methanol extract to 200 mg/kg/day the most effective. This provides scientific support for the use of medicinal plants such as A. absinthium in the treatment of liver and kidney disorders.