Protective Effect of Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract Against Acetaminophen-Induced Subclinical Hepatic Injury in Rats
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Abstract
The analgesic and antipyretic effect of acetaminophen has made it one of the most widely used drugs in the world; however, acetaminophen overdose causes significant hepatic injury and compromises renal function. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Boswellia serrata resin extract against acetaminophen-induced injury in rats. This was assessed by measuring biochemical and oxidative stress markers, as well as histopathological changes across all groups to provide both direct and indirect evidence of the protective effect of Boswellia serrata against hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity caused by acetaminophen. Acetaminophen administration increased serum ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, creatinine, and urea levels, elevated malondialdehyde, and reduced levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels in liver and kidney tissues. Histopathological examination showed that acetaminophen induced centrilobular hepatic injury and renal tubular injury. Treatment with Boswellia serrata attenuated these biochemical, oxidative, and histopathological alterations in a dose-dependent manner, with the higher dose providing greater protection. These findings indicate that Boswellia serrata resin extract exerts hepatoprotective and reno-protective effects against acetaminophen-induced injury, likely through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
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