Protective effects of jervine purified from Veratrum album on paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in rats

Purpose: Since paracetamol toxicity is a very common type of poisoning, we planned to investigate whether Jervine has an effect on paracetamol toxicity by utilizing its anti-inflammatory effect. Materials and Methods: In our study, 42 Sprague Dawley rats of 8 weeks of age were used. Seven groups were formed with 6 animals in each group. At the 24th hour of the study, all groups underwent laparotomy under anesthesia, and liver dissection was performed. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining was performed to evaluate liver histopathology. SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA levels were analyzed biochemically. Results: Histopathological, while liver tissues were normal in the control group, we observed degeneration areas, inflammation, and hemorrhage in the paracetamol group. Jervine reduced the severity of paracetamol toxicity and prevented liver damage. Jervine significantly increased SOD levels. Paracetamol administration significantly decreased CAT levels. Paracetamol significantly decreased GSH levels compared to the control group. Conclusion: Jervine reduced the adverse effects of paracetamol toxicity on liver tissue, such as degeneration, inflammation, and hemorrhage. Jervine increased antioxidant activity and reduced the harmful effects of NAPQI, the toxic metabolite of paracetamol, on liver tissue.