Hepato-Protective Effect of Vitamin C Extract from Kiwi Fruit on Hepatic Injury Induced by Monosodium Glutamate

Human and animal studies have shown that some drugs and chemical agents have potential hepatotoxic effects. The hepatotoxic effect of drugs and some chemical agents like MSG as flavor enhancer is reported to be associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation in the liver. This mechanism has led to continuous evaluation of the hepatoprotective effect of antioxidants like vitamin C in humans and animals. This study included 36 adult male albino rats divided into six experimental groups. Liver function tests, oxidative stress and anti-oxidant status were estimated. Moreover, histopathological investigations of liver tissues before and after treatment. There are significant changes in liver function tests, oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters noted after treatment with vitamin C. Moreover, the photomicrograph of liver tissue section show significant improvement in-group treated with vitamin C after MSG administration. Vitamin C is an essential co-factor involved in many biochemical functions and acts as an electron donor or reducing agent. In this study it is observe that vitamin C has hepatoprotective effect through antioxidant and anti-lipid peroxidation mechanisms.