Abstract
5- Fluorouracil (5-FU) is widely-used as an anticancer drug to treat solid cancers, such as those of the colon, breast, rectum, and pancreas. However, its clinical application is limited due to its gastrointestinal and hematological toxicity. Myricetin (3, 3′, 4′, 5, 5′,7-hexahydroxyflavone) is a naturally-occurring flavanol found in fruits, vegetables, teas, and medicinal plants that has antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-aging, and anti-diabetic activities. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of two doses of myricetin on 5-flurouracil-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into six groups of seven rats each: Control (group 1) rats received distilled water daily for 20 days; group 2 rats were intraperitoneally (IP)-injected with a single toxic dose (150 mg/kg) of 5-FU on day 20; groups 3 and 4 rats orally-received either 25 or 50 mg/kg/day of myricetin, respectively, for 20 days. Group 5 and 6 rats orally-received 25 or 50 mg/kg/day of myricetin, respectively, for 20 days, and were IP-injected with 5-FU on day 20. From the results obtained from this study, it can be concluded that myricetin increases antioxidant levels and reduces liver inflammation, decreasing negative side-effects. The inclusion of myricetin with 5-FU resulted in positive histological changes that enhanced liver function.