Therapeutic efficacy of Celtis occidentalis chloroform fraction against hexavalent chromium-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in Swiss mice

Hexavalent chromium is a persistent heavy metal that readily contaminates aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, bioaccumulates selectively, and induces hepatotoxicity. This study evaluated the ameliorative potential of the chloroform fraction of Celtis occidentalis against chromium-induced liver damage in mice. Bioactive constituents were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, while total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and total antioxidant capacity confirmed the presence of active antioxidant phytochemicals. Thirty Swiss mice were chronically exposed to chromium (1.5 mg/kg body weight) and subsequently treated with silymarin (50 mg/kg). Two further groups received oral chloroform-1 and chloroform-2 fractions of C. occidentalis (150 and 300 mg/kg) after chromium exposure. Chromium alone markedly altered body weight, hemo-biochemical indices, and antioxidant biomarkers, and post-treatment with the chloroform fraction effectively reversed these changes. Histology revealed severe necrosis, disrupted hepatic cords, hepatocyte degeneration, inflammatory cell proliferation, and reduced zymogen granules. Histomorphometry showed a significant enlargement of hepatocytes and nuclei (1088.2 ± 450.7 µ2 and 446.5 ± 138.6 µ2, respectively). The chloroform fraction attenuated these alterations and restored antioxidant markers toward baseline. These findings indicate that C. occidentalis contains bioactive constituents with promising antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for liver disorders.