Protective Effect of Salep on Liver

Abstract

Background:Salep is used for various purposes in food industries and traditional medicine. Therefore, evaluation of its effect on the liver seems to be necessary.Objectives:The aim of this study was to assess salep effect on liver.Materials and Methods:In this experimental study, various concentrations of Salep were intraperitoneally administered to five groups of Wistar rats (control, placebo and 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg salep). After one month, liver enzymes and liver tissue were evaluated and compared between different groups.Results:Significant decreased level of liver enzymes, MDA (Malondialdehyde) and TOC (Total Oxidation Capacity) were found in various concentrations of salep administration. On the other hand, a significant increase was found in TAC (Total Antioxidant Capacity) level with various doses of salep.Conclusions:Elevated level of total protein and albumin and decreased level of liver enzyme by salep extract were found in this study. Therefore, this plant may be a useful medicine for patients with liver diseases.

Antioxidant effects of aqueous extract of Salep on Paraquat-induced rat liver injury

“…Significant reduction of increased level of ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin and marked increased in level of Albumin and Total Protein in Paraquat + Salep treated groups showed that Salep could have protective effect against Paraquat-mediated hepatic injury in dose dependent manner. These results are supported by a previous report which also revealed the protective effect of Salep on liver function[ 12 ].…”

“…Furthermore, generation of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species like superoxide also play a crucial role in Paraquate - induced hepatotoxicity[ 24 ]. Salep could have protective effect against chemical induced liver injury via reinforcing endogenous antioxidant systems and free radical scavenging[ 12 , 16 ]. As liver is one of the major sites of Paraquat toxicity, this study was done in order to evaluate protective potential of Salep against Paraquat- induced liver injury.…”

“…Then, the uniform solution was filtered and dried for 48 h to obtain solid extract without ethanol. The final dried extract was dissolved with distilled water[ 12 ].…”

“…The rats were divided randomly to 7 groups, 8 rats each, as followed: Control group: Rats did not receive any substance during experiment; Sham group: Rats were given distilled water according to their body weight during the experiment; Experimental group 1: Rats were given Paraquat 2 mg/kg per BW; Experimental groups 2, 3, 4 and 5: Rats were given Paraquat at a dose of 2 mg/kg per BW daily and Salep at doses of 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg per BW, respectively. Salep doses were selected based on previous studies done on this herbal treatment[ 12 ]; Paraquat and Salep aqueous extract were administered intraperitoneally daily for 14 d in all 5 groups.…”

“…Polyphenols, especially flavonoids such as quercetin, are important antioxidants found in Salep[ 12 ]. These compounds have hepatoprotective effects against liver damage caused by toxins and free radicals[ 16 ] and can also protect cells against depletion of glutathione by increasing the capacity of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxide and catalase[ 17 ].…”