Role of Anise on the hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in adult male albino rats

Oxidative stress induced by free radicals is known to be a common cause of liver damage and hepatic fibrosis. Anise oil and its compounds have been identified to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifibrinogenic properties that may play a role in the management of hepatic disorders and promote liver regeneration. Thus, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of anise oil on hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in adult male albino rats. Sixty male albino rats were divided into control group, CCL4-treated group that was injected with 1 mg/kg CCL4 intraperitoneally (ip), CCL4+ anise oil-treated group that was injected with 1 mg/kg of CCL4 and 0.5 ml/kg of anise oil (ip), and anise oil-treated group that was injected with 0.5 ml/kg of anise oil. Animals received treatment for 4 weeks and sacrificed 24 hours after the last administration. Livers were removed and processed for light and electron microscopy analysis. The CCL4-treated group revealed loss of normal architecture of hepatic lobules, steatosis, necrosis, cholestasis, portal congestion and progressed grading of lobular inflammation, ballooning degeneration and fibrosis. On the other hand, the CCL4+ anise group showed reduced liver damage and increased signs of regeneration. We conclude that anise oil has a protective effect on liver damage caused by CCL4 and promotes liver regeneration.