Biological changes in liver, kidney, and serum indices in rats treated with ethanolic extract of Crateagus azarolus areal parts

In traditional herbal therapy, Crateagus azarolus has been used to treat a number of common illnesses. However, its potential for toxicity had not been investigated. This study evaluates how the ethanolic areal extract of C. azarolus affects the biochemical and functional characteristics of the liver, kidney, and serum. Two groups of twelve albino male rats, each with six members, were given 400 mg/kg of C. azarolus ethanolic extract orally every day for two weeks, whereas the control group was given regular saline. By the end of treatment period, the animals' necks were translocated, blood samples were taken, and the organs of the liver, kidney, and heart were removed and their relative organ weight (ROW) was calculated. Analysis of serum parameters showed that liver enzyme ALT and AST increased significantly (58%) in C. azarolus treated group, whereas ALP and total bilirubin were dropped (27%, 50% respectively). Changes in Kidney parameters were noticeably reduced. Lipase activity and Creatinine were decreased dramatically (56%, 77% respectively) in addition to 17-20% reduction in urea and uric acid. Besides insulin level increased 10% compared to 17% reduction in glucose. Lipid parameters were also changed in the treated animals. Reduction in cholesterol (20%), triglycerides (30%), LDL (23%) whereas HDL increased 14%. The relative organ index for kidney, liver and heart was reduced although the heart is the most affected organ. In conclusion, these results of this research have indicated that oral treatment with 400 mg/kg of the ethanolic extract of areal parts of C. azarolus did not show a significant effect on the functional parameters and markers of liver enzymes, kidney, and serum biochemical components, however lipid profile indices were improved.