Urtica diocia L. ameliorative efficiency against CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) is a hepatotoxin causing hepatic necrosis, release of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, and increased oxidative stress. Urtica dioica L. (stinging nettles) is traditionally used as having medicinal and pharmaceutical benefits and uses in cosmetic and food industries. Leaves are rich in bioactive compounds. Extracts of nettle leaves and roots possess antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-rheumatic properties. This study aimed to illustrate the potential efficiency of nettle against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in male Albino rats. Rats were divided into five groups: untreated group (I), an olive oil group (II) given 0.2 ml/100 gm olive oil by intraperitoneal injection, Nettle leaves water extract group (III) treated with nettle water extract (2.0 ml/kg), CCl4 group (IV), and CCl4-injured and nettle-treated group (V). After four weeks, rats were decapitated, and liver tissue and blood samples were obtained. CCl4 injection raised liver biomarkers and lipid peroxidation, decreased antioxidant levels, induced histopathological alterations in the liver, and induced DNA damage. Treatment with nettle restored the normality of the liver and overcome oxidative stress.