Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of novel heteropolysaccharide isolated from Lobularia maritima on CCl4‐induced liver injury in rats

Assessment of the Antioxidant and Hypolipidemic Properties of Salicornia europaea for the Prevention of TAFLD in Rats

Halophyte species represent valuable reservoirs of natural antioxidants, and, among these, Salicornia europaea stands out as a promising edible plant. In this study, young and old S. europaea leaves were compared for the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity to assess changes in different growth phases; then, the potential protective effects against low-dose CCl4-induced toxicant-associated fatty liver disease (TAFLD) were investigated by administering an aqueous suspension of young leaves to rats daily for two weeks. Quantification of total and individual phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant activity assays (DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC) showed the highest values in young leaves compared to mature ones. Salicornia treatment mitigated CCl4-induced hepatic oxidative stress, reducing lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl levels, and preserving the decrease in glutathione levels. Electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy confirmed these results in the liver and evidenced free radicals increase prevention in the brain. Salicornia treatment also attenuated enzymatic disruptions in the liver's drug metabolizing system and Nrf2-dependent antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, histopathological examination revealed reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation. Overall, this study highlights Salicornia's potential as a source of bioactive compounds with effective hepatoprotective properties capable to prevent TAFLD.

Mixture design of α-pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole: A multiobjective response followed by chemometric approaches to optimize the antibacterial effect against various bacteria and antioxidant activity

α-Pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole are compounds naturally present in essential oils, although their amounts vary from oil to oil. Although several studies have reported their antibacterial and antioxidant effects, there are few reports on the synergistic or antagonistic effects of their combinations. The objective of this study was to investigate the combined antibacterial effect of these three compounds. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the prediction of their optimal combination using the mixture design approach. The experimental antibacterial activity of the α-pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole mixtures depended on the proportion of each compound in the mixture and the target strain, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 0.31 to 1.85 mg/mL. Using the increased simplex-centroid mixture design, the mixture containing 0.33% of each molecule proved to be the most effective against Bacillus cereus and had the lowest MIC values. In addition, α-pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole showed significant antioxidant activity against 2,2-picryl-1-hydrazyl radical (DPPH), with IC50 values of 24.53 ± 0.05, 65.63 ± 0.71, and 63.58 ± 0.01 μg/mL, respectively. Statistical planning and the development of utility profiles of the substance mixtures can predict the optimal composition that will exhibit the highest antibacterial activity against B. cereus as well as antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the mixtures can contribute significantly to their successful use as natural preservatives in various applications.

Hepatoprotective effects of Niudali (Callerya speciosa) root aqueous extracts against tetrachloromethane-induced acute liver injury and inflammation

Niudali (Callerya speciosa) is commonly grown in southeastern regions of China and consumed as a food ingredient. Although Niudali root extracts showed various biological activities, the hepatoprotective effects of Niudali root phytochemicals are not fully studied. Herein, we prepared two Niudali root aqueous extracts, namely, c and Niudali polysaccharides-enriched extract (NPE), and identified an alkaloid, (hypaphorine) in NEW. The hepatoprotective effects of NWE, NPE, and hypaphorine were evaluated in an acute liver injury model induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice. Pathohistological examination and blood chemistry assays showed that treatment of NWE, NPE, and hypaphorine alleviated CCl4-induced liver damage by lowering the liver injury score (by 75.51%, 80.01%, and 41.22%) and serum aspartate and alanine transaminases level (by 63.24%, 85.22%, and 49.74% and by 78.73%, 80.08%, and 81.70%), respectively. NWE, NPE, and hypaphorine also reduced CCl4-induced hepatic oxidative stresses in the liver tissue by decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde (by 40.00%, 51.25%, and 28.75%) and reactive oxygen species (by 30.22%, 36.14%, and 33.54%) while increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (by 21.36%, 21.64%, and 8.90%), catalase (by 22.13%, 33.33%, and 5.39%), and glutathione (by 84.87%, 90.65%, and 80.53%), respectively. Mechanistic assays showed that NWE, NPE, and hypaphorine alleviated liver damage by mediating inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., pro-inflammatory cytokines) via the signaling pathways of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB. Findings from our study extend the understanding of Niudali's hepatoprotective effects, which is useful for its development as a dietary intervention for liver inflammation.

Salvia officinalis L. and Salvia sclarea Essential Oils: Chemical Composition, Biological Activities and Preservative Effects against Listeria monocytogenes Inoculated into Minced Beef Meat

In this study, Salvia officinalis L. and Salvia sclarea essential oils (EOs) were investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to describe their chemical composition. The obtained results show, for both EOs, a profile rich in terpene metabolites, with monoterpenes predominating sesquiterpenes but with significant qualitative and quantitative differences. The main compound found in the Salvia officinalis EO (SOEO) was camphor (19.0%), while in Salvia sclarea EO (SCEO), it was linalyl acetate (59.3%). Subsequently, the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the EOs against eight pathogenic strains was evaluated. The disc diffusion method showed a significant lysis zone against Gram-positive bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 3.7 mg/mL to 11.2 mg/mL, indicating that each EO has specific antimicrobial activity. Both EOs also showed significant antiradical activity against DPPH radicals and total antioxidant activity. In addition, the preservative effect of SOEO (9.2%) and SCEO (9.2%), alone or in combination, was tested in ground beef, and the inhibitory effect against Listeria monocytogenes inoculated into the raw ground beef during cold storage was evaluated. Although the effect of each individual EO improved the biochemical, microbiological, and sensory parameters of the samples, their combination was more effective and showed complete inhibition of L. monocytogenes after 7 days of storage at 4 °C. The results show that both EOs could be used as safe and natural preservatives in various food and/or pharmaceutical products.

Olea europaea L. leaf extract mitigates oxidative and histological damage in rat heart tissue exposed to combined noise and toluene: An experimental study

In many occupational settings, workers are frequently exposed to toluene and noise. However, the individual and combined effects of these exposures on the cardiovascular system have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of simultaneous exposure to toluene and noise on the rat heart, while also evaluating the potential preventive effect of olive leaf extract (OLE). Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 6/group): control group (C), control group that received OLE (C + OLE), group exposed to noise (N), group exposed to noise and receiving OLE (N + OLE), group exposed to toluene (T), group exposed to toluene and receiving OLE (T + OLE), group co-exposed to noise and toluene (NT), and group co-exposed to noise and toluene and receiving OLE (NT + OLE). The rats in this study were subjected to simultaneous exposure to toluene and noise for a duration of six weeks, within a custom-built plexiglass chamber. Toluene was administered at a concentration of 300 ppm, while the noise level was set to 85 dB(A). The exposure chamber was equipped with a generation system, an exposure system, and a monitoring system, ensuring precise and accurate exposure conditions. After the six-week period, heart and blood samples were collected from the rats for subsequent analysis. Plasma levels of cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TG), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) were measured, and histopathological investigation was conducted using HE staining. Additionally, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in heart tissue were measured. Our results showed that simultaneous exposure to noise and toluene altered CHOL, TG, LDH, and CK levels, and also caused an increase in lipid peroxidation levels and superoxide dismutase activity, along with a decrease in catalase activity in the heart. A significant alteration in the myocardium was also observed. However, treatment with OLE was found to modulate these oxidative and histological changes, ultimately correcting the deleterious effects induced by the combined exposure to noise and toluene. Therefore, our study suggests that OLE could be a potential preventive measure for individuals exposed to toluene and noise in industrial settings.

Pleurospermum candollei Methanolic Extract Ameliorates CCl4-Induced Liver Injury by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory, and Apoptotic Markers in Rats

The main objective of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective potency of the Pleurospermum candollei methanol extract against CCl₄-induced liver damage in rats. HPLC technique was used to estimate the presence of polyphenols in the methanol extract of P. candollei (PCM), while proximate analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, lipids, and moisture in the extract. The antioxidant potential of PCM was evaluated by 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power assay, which showed a high percentage of inhibition against free radicals. Hepatotoxicity was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). CCl₄ administration reduced the activity of endogenous antioxidants, whereas it increased the production of nitrites and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in rats. Furthermore, the level of hepatic markers in serum was also elevated after CCl₄ administration. Moreover, the expression of stress-related markers, proinflammatory mediators, and apoptotic genes was enhanced in CCl₄-treated rats. Coadministration of PCM along with CCl₄ in rats reduced the levels of free radicals and the above genes to normal levels. CCl₄ administration caused histopathological alterations in liver tissues, while cotreatment with PCM mitigated liver injuries. These findings suggest that the methanol extract of P. candollei possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can prevent liver injury. Further pharmacological research will be helpful in determining the effectiveness of P. candollei in humans. Development of FDA-approved plant-based anti-inflammatory drugs can help treat patients and reduce the chances of toxicity.

Synergistic Effects of Vitis vinifera L. and Centella asiatica against CCl4-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

Liver injury can be acute or chronic, resulting from a variety of factors, including viral hepatitis, drug overdose, idiosyncratic drug reaction, or toxins, while the progression of pathogenesis in the liver rises due to the involvement of numerous cytokines and growth factor mediators. Thus, the identification of more effective biomarker-based active phytochemicals isolated from medicinal plants is a promising strategy to protect against CCl₄-induced liver injury. Vitis vinifera L. (VE) and Centella asiatica (CE) are well-known medicinal plants that possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, synergism between the two has not previously been studied. Here, we investigated the synergistic effects of a V. vinifera L. (VE) leaf, C. asiatica (CE) extract combination (VCEC) against CCl₄-induced liver injury. Acute liver injury was induced by a single intraperitoneal administration of CCl₄ (1 mL/kg). VCEC was administered orally for three consecutive days at various concentrations (100 and 200 mg/kg) prior to CCl₄ injection. The extent of liver injury and the protective effects of VCEC were evaluated by biochemical analysis and histopathological studies. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and Western blotting. VCEC treatment significantly reduced serum transaminase levels (AST and ALT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). CCl₄- induced apoptosis was inhibited by VCEC treatment by reducing cleaved caspase-3 and Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax). VCEC-treated mice significantly restored cytochrome P450 2E1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in CCl4-treated mice. In addition, VCEC downregulated overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines and hepatic nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and inhibited CCl4-mediated apoptosis. Collectively, VCEC exhibited synergistic protective effects against liver injury through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic ability against oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Therefore, VCEC appears promising as a potential therapeutic agent for CCl₄-induced acute liver injury in mice.

Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant potential and protective effect of leaves extract of tunisian Vitis vinifera autochthonous accessions against acute CCl4-injured hepatotoxicity in mice

Vitis vinifera leaves (VVL) are agro-industrial waste. In the current study, the phytochemical profile of V. vinifera leaves extracts (VVLE) of two Tunisian autochthonous accessions was determined via LC-UV-ESI/MS, and their antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties were also assessed. Mice were pretreated orally with VVLE (7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg) for 7 days, and then received acutely and by i.p. a solution CCl₄ at 12% in sunflower oil (v/v). Serum levels of hepatic markers, oxidative stress indicators in liver tissue and histological changes were assessed. LC-UV-ESI/MS analysis revealed four phenolic compounds identified in both extracts with quercetin-3-O-glucuronide being the dominant constituent (23.32 ± 1.06 vs. 10.24 ± 0.12 mg/g DM, p < 0.05 for wild and cultivated accessions, respectively). The Antioxidant activity revealed a significant difference between the genotypes. Moreover, the VVLE of the wild "Nefza-I" ecotype was the most active based on antioxidant assays. Furthermore, the results showed that pre-treatment, especially with VVLE, of the wild ecotype "Nefza-I", attenuated CCl₄-induced acute liver injury in a dose-dependent manner, as demonstrated by the decrease in the activities of hepatic serum function markers. This was also evidenced by a decrease in the levels of lipoperoxidation and histological damage in the liver, as well as a restoration of antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and catalase) and an increase in the hepatic glutathione content. Our results demonstrate that VVLE possesses protective effects on CCl₄-induced liver injury. Overall, the wild ecotype "Nefza-I" extract could serve as an effective protector against CCl₄-induced hepatocellular oxidative stress.

Recent Advances in the Incorporation of Polysaccharides with Antioxidant and Antibacterial Functions to Preserve the Quality and Shelf Life of Meat Products

Meat and meat products are susceptible to various types of natural processes such as oxidative degradation due to their high content of protein and essential amino acids. However, finding solutions to maintain the nutritional and sensory quality of meat and meat products is unavoidable. Hence, there is a pressing need to investigate alternatives to synthetic preservatives, focusing on active biomolecules of natural provenance. Polysaccharides are natural polymers of various sources that exhibit antibacterial and antioxidant properties via a variety of mechanisms, owing to their diversity and structural variation. For this reason, these biomolecules are widely studied in order to improve texture, inhibit the growth of pathogens, and improve the oxidative stability and sensory characteristics of meat products. However, the literature has not addressed their biological activity in meat and meat products. This review summarizes the various sources of polysaccharides, their antioxidant and antibacterial activities (mainly against pathogenic food strains), and their use as natural preservatives to replace synthetic additives in meat and meat products. Special attention is given to the use of polysaccharides to improve the nutritional value of meat, resulting in more nutrient-rich meat products with higher polysaccharide content and less salt, nitrites/nitrates, and cholesterol.

Antioxidant and Antiapoptotic Properties of n-Butanol Fraction the Acanthopanax senticosus Extracts in H2O2-RAW264.7 Cells and CCl4-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

The Acanthopanax senticosus has been shown to have a wide range of pharmacological activities, which are associated with health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. A previous study has shown that the n-butanol fraction of A. senticosus extract had the strongest antioxidant effect in vitro. This study aimed to investigate the effects that the n-butanol fraction of A. senticosus extract could relieve oxidative stress damage through antioxidant and antiapoptotic in the H₂O₂-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and the CCl₄-induced liver injury. The result showed that the n-butanol fraction extract could relieve damage by increasing the intracellular antioxidant enzymes (SOD) level, decreasing intracellular ROS and MDA levels, and regulating antioxidant and antiapoptotic-related gene expression levels. The morphological observation of HE, TUNE, and immunohistochemistry staining of liver tissue verified that the n-butanol fraction extract is though anti-oxidative and antiapoptotic to alleviate cellular oxidative damage. The RT-PCR assay showed that the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE and the Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway were related to the molecular mechanism of action. The experimental results show that Acanthopanax senticosus extract has a good effect in treating liver injury and enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the body.

A New Approach in Meat Bio-Preservation through the Incorporation of a Heteropolysaccharide Isolated from Lobularia maritima L

In this study, a new heteropolysaccharide extracted from Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv. (LmPS), a halophyte harvested in Tunisia, was evaluated as an antioxidant and antibacterial additive in the bio-preservation of raw minced meat. For antibacterial testing, Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus ATCC and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19,117 and Gram-negative bacteria such as Salmonella enterica ATCC 43,972 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25,922 were used. The results indicate that this polymer had a significant antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens. Additionally, the effects of LmPS at 0.15, 0.3 and 0.6% on refrigerated raw ground beef were investigated from a microbiological, chemical, and sensory perspective. Microbiological analysis of the meat showed that treatment with LmPS significantly (p < 0.05) improved its shelf life, while the biochemical analysis evidenced a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in lipid oxidation. LmPS at 0.6% significantly reduced by 61% and 48% metmyoglobin accumulation at the end of the storage period when compared to BHT and control samples, respectively. The chemometric approach highlighted the relationships among the different meat quality parameters. LmPS can be introduced in the food industry as a powerful natural additive and could be an alternative to synthetic antioxidant compounds.

Evaluation of Halophyte Biopotential as an Unused Natural Resource: The Case of Lobularia maritima

Halophytes are plant species widely distributed in saline habitats, such as beaches, postindustrial wastelands, irrigated lands, salt flats, and others. Excessive salt level, known to limit plant growth, is not harmful to halophytes, which have developed a variety of defense mechanisms allowing them to colonize harsh environments. Plants under stress are known to respond with several morpho-anatomical adaptations, but also to enhance the production of secondary metabolites to better cope with difficult conditions. Owing to these adaptations, halophytes are an interesting group of undemanding plants with a high potential for application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, this review aims to present the characteristics of halophytes, describe changes in their gene expression, and discuss their synthesized metabolites of pharmacognostic and pharmacological significance. Lobularia maritima is characterized as a widely spread halophyte that has been shown to exhibit various pharmacological properties in vitro and in vivo. It is concluded that halophytes may become important sources of natural products for the treatment of various ailments and for supplementing the human diet with necessary non-nutrients and minerals. However, extensive studies are needed to deepen the knowledge of their biological potential in vivo, so that they can be introduced to the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Bio-Stimulating Effect of Natural Polysaccharides from Lobularia maritima on Durum Wheat Seedlings: Improved Plant Growth, Salt Stress Tolerance by Modulating Biochemical Responses and Ion Homeostasis

Bioactivities of polysaccharides derived from halophyte plants have gained attention in recent years. The use of biostimulants in agriculture is an innovative method of dealing with environmental stressors affecting plant growth and development. Here, we investigated the use of natural polysaccharides derived from the halophyte plant Lobularia maritima (PSLm) as a biostimulant in durum wheat seedlings under salt stress. Treatment with polysaccharide extract (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/mL PSLm) stimulated in vitro wheat growth, including germination, shoot length, root length, and fresh weight. PSLm at 2 mg/mL provided tolerance to plants against NaCl stress with improved membrane stability and low electrolyte leakage, increased antioxidant activities (catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)), enhanced leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, proline, and total sugar contents, decreased lipid peroxidation (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (H₂O₂) levels, and coordinated the efflux and compartmentation of intracellular ions. The expression profile analyses of ten stress-related genes (NHX1, HKT1.4, SOS1, SOD, CAT, GA20-ox1, GA3-ox1, NRT1.1, NRT2.1, and GS) using RT-qPCR revealed the induction of several key genes in durum wheat growing in media supplemented with PSLm extract, even in unstressed conditions that could be related to the observed tolerance. This study revealed that PSLm extract contributes to salt tolerance in durum wheat seedlings, thereby enhancing their reactive oxygen species scavenging ability, and provided evidence for exploring PSLm as a plant biostimulant for sustainable and organic agriculture.

Antiapoptotic and antioxidative efficacy of rhizomes of Curcuma amada on the management of diabetes-induced male infertility in albino rat: An effective fraction selection study

Men with diabetes have negative effects on reproduction that causes sexual dysfunction. Medicinal plants are non-toxic and much safer than synthetic drugs because regular use of synthetic drugs shows long-term side effects. Curcuma amada (Roxb) is a medicinal plant used in Ayurveda and Unani medicinal systems in India. The goal of this study is to rummage the potential efficiency of the most potent solvent fraction of effective extract of hydro-methanol 60:40 of C. amada rhizome on male gonadal hypofunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. Diabetes-induced testicular hypofunction was evaluated by glycemic, spermiological, biochemical, genomic, flow cytometric, and histology of testicular tissue. The n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl-acetate, and n-butanol solvent fractions of the said extract were administrated for 4 weeks at 10 mg dose/100 g body weight/day. Among all the used fractions, the ethyl-acetate solvent fraction-treated group showed maximum recovery in serum insulin (177.42%), sperm count (92.84%), sperm motility (97.15%), and serum testosterone (164.33%). The diabetic rats treated with ethyl-acetate solvent fraction also exhibited the maximum resettlement in flow cytometric analysis of sperm viability (55.84%) and sperm mitochondrial integrity (149.79%), gene expression patterns of key markers for androgenesis (Δ5, 3β-HSD 87.50%, and 17β-HSD 74.66%) and apoptosis (Bax 44.63%, Bcl-2 54.03%, and Caspase-3 35.77%) along with testicular histology. The ethyl-acetate fraction contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols where all of these components are not present in other fractions, may be the most effective cause for the recovery of diabetes-linked oxidative stress-mediated testicular hypofunctions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Nowadays worldwide, the use of synthetic drugs are reduced due to their toxic effect. At present, synthetic drugs are replaced by several herbal drugs, the natural source of medicine which has many therapeutic values. C. amada has strong antioxidant activity due to the presence of bio-active compound(s) that can able to manage streptozotocin-induced diabetes linked to oxidative damage of male gonadal organs. Therefore, these bio-active compound(s)-containing said medicinal plant may use as a good source of antioxidative food in the food industry as nutraceuticals and in pharmaceutical industries for the development of the herbal drug to manage diabetes-linked male gonadal hypofunctions. At present, WHO also gives emphasis for developing one drug-multi-disease therapy. From such a viewpoint, this active fraction-containing phytomolecules may have corrective efficacy against diabetes as well as oxidative stress-linked testicular complications.

Attenuation of methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity by epigallocatechin 3-gallate

Methotrexate (MTX) is currently used as first-line therapy for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and systemic lupus erythematous. However, its use is limited by its hepatotoxic potential. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an abundant catechin present in tea possesses potent antioxidant activity and effectively ameliorates oxidative stress-related disorders. This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective influence of EGCG in a MTX-induced rat model of hepatotoxicity. Sprague Dawley rats pretreated with EGCG (40 mg kg^-1 b.w., p.o.) were administered a single dose of MTX (20 mg kg^-1 b.w., i.p.) and its hepatoprotective efficacy compared with folic acid (1 mg kg^-1 b.w., i.p.). On day 10, blood samples were collected to determine plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), while the livers were examined for histopathogical changes along with levels of oxidative stress measured in terms of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, protein carbonylation (PCO), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and activities of cellular enzymatic antioxidants - superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). MTX significantly increased the plasma levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH, which were prevented by pretreatment with EGCG, and was corroborated by histopathology. Additionally, MTX-induced hepatic oxidative stress as measured by increased generation of MPO, enhanced PCO, LPO, and decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes was mitigated by pretreatment with EGCG. The amelioration of MTX-induced hepatotoxicity by EGCG endorsed the inclusion of an anti-oxidant during chronic administration of MTX.