The protective effects of Capparis spinosa aqueous extract against methotrexate in male albino rats

Abstract

Abstract Background: Methotrexate (MTX) concentrations in liver disorders can cause ischemia, requiring Capparis spinosa extract for antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. Objective: The purpose of this investigation is to ascertain whether or not an aqueous extract of C. spinosa can lessen the cytotoxic effects of MTX in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 male albino rats were separated into four groups of six each. Oral normal saline (0.5 mL/kg BW) was administered to the placebo group. Group A received a weekly intraperitoneal injection of 20 mL/kg of MTX. The C. spinosa extract 250 mg/kg body weight group. The group was given MTX and C. spinosa 250 mg/kg by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection weekly for 3 months. Results: Aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the positive group compared to the control group. Alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase levels in the liver were also higher in participants who tested positive compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, the treated group revealed no statistically significant changes in liver enzymes after receiving C. spinosa extract (P < 0.05). For the histological study, histological examination of the cross sections prepared from the liver of a rat injected with MTX as a single dose per week showed the presence of many histological lesions represented by the presence of degeneration and necrosis of the hepatocytes with rupturing of the wall of blood vessels, central veins, and hepatic veins, as well as the presence of infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells. Conclusion: The results of the present study focused that C. spinosa are promising hepatoprotective elements for improving defence mechanisms in the physiological and histological systems against oxidative stress under various circumstances.