Hepatoprotective effects of silymarin against diclofenac-induced liver toxicity in male rats based on biochemical parameters and histological study

Diclofenac (DIC) is a phenyl acetic acid derivative which is well known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory. In our study, the rats were divided into four groups. Group 1, control group; Group 2 received DIC-only; Groups 3 and 4 received DIC plus silymarin. The results showed that levels of CAT, SOD, GPx and GSH significantly reduced and levels of ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, nitrite content, MDA, serum TNF-α and TNF-α gene expression were significantly elevated in second group compared to control group. In other hand, treatment with silymarin resulted in a significant elevation in CAT, SOD, GPx, GSH and a significant reduction in MDA, ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, nitrite content, serum TNF-α, and gene expression of TNF-α in comparison with second group. Histopathological injuries were also improved by silymarin administration. The results confirm that silymarin has a protective effect on DIC-induced liver toxicity and oxidative stress in male rats.