Biochemical Profiling of Lead‐Induced Lipid Metabolic Dysfunction and Its Amelioration by Bioactive Compounds From Rosmarinus officinalis Ethanol Extract

Lead hepatotoxicity was experimentally induced in rats, followed by treatment with antioxidant-rich rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) ethanol extract (REE). Lipid profile parameters, liver function markers, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH, and MDA), free fatty acids, and HMG-CoA reductase levels were evaluated using standard biochemical assay kits and ELISA methods. REE exhibited high phenolic (56.69 ± 0.05 GAE/g) and flavonoid contents (8.41 ± 0.02 mg QE/g), and HPLC analysis identified quercetin, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid as major phenolic constituents. Hepatic lead accumulation (2.70 ± 0.32; p < 0.05) not only caused significant body weight loss but also resulted in dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, evidenced by elevated serum cholesterol (118 ± 5.69 mg/dL) and triglycerides (130 ± 4.34 mg/dL). Exposure to PbAc induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress, as shown by elevated ALT levels (65 ± 3.75 U/L), increased lipid peroxidation, and depletion of antioxidant defenses, especially GSH (17 ± 1.77 U/L) (p < 0.05). Treatment with REE or trans-resveratrol (RSV), either alone or in combination with PbAc, significantly attenuated lead-induced toxicity by restoring lipid homeostasis, antioxidant status, liver enzymes, and normal hepatic architecture (p > 0.05 vs. control). These findings demonstrate the hepatoprotective potential of REE, likely mediated by its antioxidant-rich phytoconstituents.