Assessing the Effects of Mentha longifolia on Liver Structure in Castrated Rats

The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body. It has dual roles: An exocrine function, producing bile to aid digestion, and an endocrine-like function, helping regulate metabolism. It cleanses the blood, makes important proteins, and stores essential nutrients. This study aimed to assess the impact of Mentha longifolia extract on a variety of physiological, biochemical, and histological parameters. A total of 21 male rats (Rattus norvegicus), 3 weeks of age, from the order Rodentia and family Muridae, were used in this study. Rats were divided into three groups, each consisting of seven rats. Both Group 1 (control) and Group 2 (castrated) of male rats received tap water. However, male rats in Group 3 were castrated and administered a daily intragastric extract of M. longifolia (6 g/kg). In castrated-treated groups, the effects of consuming a freshly made extract of M. longifolia were examined for various biochemical parameters of liver enzymes and lipid profile, as well as the histological structures of liver tissue. The outcomes of the biochemical tests performed on the treated subjects did not reveal any notable variations. Histological sections of the castrated group’s liver tissue showed cellular inflammation of lymphocytes, ballooning degeneration, and acidophil bodies (Councilman Bodies) in contrast to the control group. The histological structure of the injured liver did not fully recover in rats that had been castrated and fed 6 g/kg daily for 4 weeks. On the other hand, this treatment greatly reduced the adverse effects of castration, such as macrovesicular steatosis, Councilman Bodies, and mild ballooning degeneration. According to the current research, fresh M. longifolia extract may have some hepatoprotective benefits against castration.