Hepatoprotective Effects of Amaranthus Spinosus Extract against Alcohol-induced Liver Injury in Wistar Rats: Modulation of Lipid Profile and Liver Function Markers
Anozie Maduabuchi Mbazurike, J.N Okereke, I.E Nwabunnia, R.N Okechi, R.C Ibeh, Nnamdi Moses Chibueze
Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry · pp. 83–104 · Published 17 Feb 2026
10.9734/ajrb/2026/v16i1471Abstract
Background: Alcohol-induced liver injury is a major global health concern, characterized by oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, hepatocellular injury, and altered liver function. The present study evaluated the hepatoprotective and lipid-modulating effects of Amaranthus spinosus aqueous extract against ethanol-induced liver injury in Wistar rats. Materials and Method: Forty-nine (49) rats were divided into groups; normal control, standard control (silymarin 50mg/kg), alcohol-exposed groups, and treatment group at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg doses of the extract, with or without continued alcohol administration, over 42 days. Liver function markers (ALT, AST, total protein, albumin, bilirubin), lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C), and oxidative stress indicators (SOD, GSH, MDA, LDH) were assessed. Histopathological analysis was conducted to evaluate structural liver changes. Results: Alcohol administration significantly elevated serum ALT, AST, bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and VLDL-C, while reducing HDL-C, total protein, albumin, SOD, and GSH, alongside increased MDA and LDH levels, indicating hepatocellular injury, oxidative stress, and dyslipidemia. Treatment with A. spinosus extract ameliorated these biochemical alterations in a dose- and treatment-dependent manner, restoring antioxidant enzyme activity, reducing lipid peroxidation, normalizing lipid profiles, and improving hepatic synthetic function. Histopathological examination confirmed attenuation of alcohol-induced steatosis, necrosis, and architectural distortion, particularly in rats receiving high-dose extract. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Amaranthus spinosus exerts significant hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and lipid-modulating effects, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent against alcohol-induced liver injury. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these protective effects.
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