Purpose: To explore the effects of
Carthamus tinctorius
L. extract (CTLE) on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-
induced liver cirrhosis in rats.
Methods: CTLE was obtained by extracting the dried
Carthamus tinctorius L. in water. Liver cirrhosis
was induced by injecting the rats with DEN once a week for 8 weeks. Following this treatment, clinical
biochemical assessments, as well as oxidative stress test and histopathological examination were
performed.
Results: Compared with the control group, plasma concentrations of alanine transaminase (ALT) and
aspartate aminotransferase (AST) both decreased significantly (p < 0.01) after 8 weeks. The degree of
liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and necrosis decreased in CTLE-treated rats. CTLE significantly inhibited
malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutases (SOD) in DEN-induced rat liver (p < 0.01)
compared with control group.
Conclusion: CTLE has significant inhibitory effect on diethylnitrosamine-induced liver cirrhosis in rats,
which can be developed for future clinical applications.
