The aim of this study was to investigate hepatoprotective effect of some algae species such as Spirulina platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, Laminaria japonica, Sargassum sp. on experimental acute hepatotoxicity model that induced with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Algaes at a dose of 200 mg/kg and Silymarin at a dose of 25 mg/kg were orally administered for 7 days followed by CCl4 at a single dose (0.5 ml/kg), at the 8th day to cause experimental acute hepatotoxicity. Levels of biochemical (AST, ALT etc.), lipid peroxidation (MDA), antioxidant (GSH, CAT, GPx) parameters and histopathological examination were carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of algae. In Sp group ALT and ALP levels were significantly decreased compared with CCl4 (p < .05). Histological liver structures of Sp group were similar to the control group. MDA, GPx and CAT levels of Sp and La groups were significantly different compared with CCl4 (p < .05). Based on these results, algae species able to minimise the toxic effects of CCl4 and especially S. platensis could be used in the purpose of protection against chemical-induced hepatotoxicity.
Keywords: Algae; carbon tetrachloride; hepatoprotective effect; oxidative stress.