ABSTRACT
Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s antioxidant defenses, plays a critical role in various diseases. This research aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of ethanol extract from Phyllanthus amarus leaves on the oxidative status in the plasma of rats exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The study assessed a range of oxidative markers, including vitamins A, C, and E, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, total protein concentration, as well as the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and levels of glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO).Rats were divided into five groups: Group 1 (Control), Group 2 (CCl4- Exposed), and Groups 3 (CCL4-Exposed and treated with silymarin) group 4, and 5 (CCl4- Exposed and treated with varying doses of Phyllanthus amarus extract). The results revealed significant changes in oxidative markers in the CCl4-exposed group compared to the control group. Group 2 exhibited reduced levels of vitamins A, C, and E, decreased G6PD activity, elevated MDA levels, and altered total protein content.Treatment with silymarin(Group 3), Phyllanthus amarus extract (Groups 4, and 5) showed promising improvements in oxidative status. These groups displayed a dose-dependent restoration of vitamins A, C, and E, an increase in G6PD activity, a reduction in MDA levels, and a return to normal total protein levels. Additionally, the extract positively influenced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, SOD, GPx, and GR.Furthermore, the extract demonstrated its ability to restore GSH levels and regulate nitric oxide production. These findings suggest that Phyllanthus amarus leaves possess antioxidant properties and may have the potential as a therapeutic agent for combating diseases related to oxidative stress.this study highlights the protective effects of Phyllanthus amarus extract on the oxidative status of CCl4-exposed rats, suggesting its potential use as a natural antioxidant agent in the management of oxidative stress-related disorders. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and evaluate its safety and efficacy in clinical settings.
