Ficus carica (Fig) Fruit Extract Attenuates CCl4-induced Hepatic Injury in Mice: A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

Background and Objective: Figs are recognised to contain a number of pharmacological properties without any adverse effect. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective role of fig fruit extract on CCl4-induced hepato-toxicity. Materials and Methods: The mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, Group I mice, vehicle treated were kept on normal diet and served as normal control. Group II mice, received fig extract only, Groups III, received CCl4 only and served as disease control group. Group IV mice, labelled as treatment group, received CCl4+fig fruit extract (100 mg kg(-1) b.wt.). Results: CCl4-induction causes significant increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level and decrease in antioxidant enzymes levels. Administration of fig extract significantly restore the CCl4-induced alterations in the liver enzymes and antioxidant enzymes and such differences were statically significant (p<0.05). Histopathology of the liver tissue revealed that administration of fig fruits extract reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and blood vessel dilation and showed role in the maintenance of hepatocytes architecture whereas, severe tissue alterations was noted in CCl4 treated group. Conclusion: The overall findings, indicate that fig fruit extract is useful in preventing liver injury against CCl4-induced hepato-toxicity through its antioxidant enzyme activities and shows role in the maintenance of hepatocyte architecture.