Protective effects of combined β-caryophyllene and silymarin against ketoprofen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Ketoprofen (Ket), widely utilized in treatment of many inflammatory disorders, is found to induce liver toxicity especially with overdose. This study aimed to evaluate the possible protective effects of concomitant β-caryophyllene (Cary) and silymarin (Sily) against Ket-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into 5 groups (each n = 8): the control group received distilled water for 6 weeks; the Ket-treated group received distilled water for 5 weeks and Ket in a dose of 8 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1) p.o. for the 6th week; the Cary + Ket treated group received Cary in a dose of 200 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1) orally for 6 weeks and Ket for the 6th week; the Sily + Ket treated group received Sily in the dose of 150 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1) for 6 weeks and Ket for the 6th week; and the Cary + Sily + Ket treated group received Sily and Cary for 6 weeks and Ket for the 6th week. At end of the experiment, serum ALT, AST, and albumin and liver total antioxidant capacity (t.TAC) and malondialdehyde (t.MDA) were measured in all rats. Ket increased serum ALT and AST and t.MDA and decreased t.TAC. Cary and Sily improved these changes. Combined Cary and Sily restored these liver changes to nearly normal. Combined Cary and Sily is hepatoprotective, with the ability to scavenge oxidants against Ket-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.