Protective Effects of Tribulus terrestris Extract on Methotrexate-Induced Liver Damage in Male Rabbits: An Experimental study

Abstract

Objective: Methotrexate (MTX), a commonly utilised chemotherapeutic agent for malignant tumours, adversely impacts and has side effects on blood parameters and some liver enzymes. This study sought to examine the protective role of TTE against hepatotoxicity initiated by Methotrexate (MTX) in adult male rabbits.

Methods: Twenty adult male rabbits were distributed into four groups. Each group comprised five rabbits. The initial group served as a control, the second group received T. terrestris extract at a dosage of 250 mg/kg, the third group was administered Methotrexate (MTX) at 0.03 mg/kg, and the fourth group was treated with both 0.03 mg/kg of MTX and T. terrestris extract at 250 mg/kg, orally, for 42 days.

Results: Methotrexate (MTX) resulted in a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cells volume (PCV) and significant increase in Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate transferase (AST). The administration of T. terrestris extract contributed to restoring the parameters to their normal standard.

Conclusion: Methotrexate tends to decrease RBC, WBC, Hb, and PCV levels, contributing to anaemia and increased susceptibility to infections due to bone marrow suppression, and there was an increase in liver enzymes that was considered an indicator of liver damage due to the administration of methotrexate.