Potential protective effects of white mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves on rat liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride

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This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of white mulberry leaves on rat liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride. Mulberry leaves powder (MLP) was prepared and its chemical composition, bioactive compounds content and antioxidant activity were determined. The data indicated that MLP contain high levels of protein, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrates, antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E) and non-nutrient antioxidants ( phenolics and carotenoids). Also, MLP exhibited high antioxidant properties (antioxidant activity, 63.04% and DPPH•, 129.52 μMol Trolox /g DW). For biological experiments, MLP has been fed at concentrations ranged 0.75 to 6 % in basal diet of rats for 2 weeks then injected withCCl4 to induce liver damage. Treatment of animals with CCl4 caused a significant increased (p < /em>≤0.05) in AST (90.76%), ALT (62.67%) and ALP (183.15%) compared to normal controls. Supplementation of the rat diets with MLP prevented the rise of mean serum AST, ALT and ALP activities. The same behavior was recorded for thiobarpituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level in serum, the biomarkers of oxidative stress in cells. The opposite directions were observed for some immunological parameters including albumin levels and protease activity in serum and reduced glutathione (GSH) fractions (non-enzymatic antioxidant) in serum. The results were confirmed by microscopical liver examination. These results supported our hypothesis that MLP could be used successfully as  functional food for  containing  several classes of bioactive compounds  and exhibited antioxidant activity  that are able to prevent or inhibit liver injuries induced by chemical toxin (CCl4) . Therefore, we recommended MLP by a concentration about 6% (w/w) to be included in our daily dishes and drinks as well as in different food products as a natural food additive.
 

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