Hepatoprotective activity of Brown Alga Lobophora variegata against Chromium Induced Oxidative Damage in Wistar Rats

To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of brown alga Lobophora variegata against oxidative liver damage induced by chromium (VI) [Cr(VI)] stress in rats. In this study, the methanol extracts of L. variegata was evaluated for in vivo hepatoprotective activity against Cr(VI) in Wistar rats. On the basis of the results obtained, the presence of phlorotannins in the algae could be useful sources for the development of novel hepatoprotective agents. In order to assess the hepatic damage and recovery, liver weight, the activities of TBARS levels, glutathione, SOD, CAT and GPx in circulation and the liver were determined. The group of rats induced with Cr (VI) alone (2mL/kg body weight), showed a noticeable increase in the liver weight and TBARS level. Followed by, the level of antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, Superoxide dismutase and catalase was also significantly (P<0.01) diminished. In contrast, the rats pretreated with Lobophora variegata (30 mg/kg/body weight modulated the Cr(VI) induced liver fibrosis. The level of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation products was found to be significant (P <0.01) attenuated to near normal level, when compared with rats induced by chromium (VI) alone. In order to assess the role of carotenoids in the relevant activity. Further, the histopathogical studies provide a supportive evidence for this study to show the protective nature of L. variegata. The protective role of brown alga L. variegata extract have been observed from its antioxidant actions against Cr (VI) induced free radical damage. However, the possible mechanism of hepatoprotection is rather speculative at this stage and investigations are underway to isolate and characterize the bioactive compounds from L. variegata.