Background: Liver fibrosis represents irreversible liver destruction. Crocetin, a carotenoid dicarboxylic acid found in saffron, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. This study investigated crocetin&rsquo;s hepatoprotective effects against thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats, focusing on its potential therapeutic mechanisms. 
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Methods: Forty male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control (normal saline), crocetin (40 mg/kg, i.p.), thioacetamide (200 mg/kg, i.p., twice weekly for 6 weeks) and thioacetamide+crocetin (pretreatment with crocetin before thioacetamide). Various biochemical and histological parameters were assessed. 
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Result: Thioacetamide administration increased oxidative stress markers (nitric oxide, malondialdehyde), decreased antioxidants, elevated inflammatory markers (IL-1&beta;, TNF-&alpha;, NF-&kappa;B) and impaired liver enzymes. Histologically, it caused cirrhotic nodules and extensive necrosis. Crocetin treatment restored antioxidant levels, reduced lipid peroxidation, suppressed inflammatory cytokines, regulated the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and normalized liver enzyme levels. The protective effects of crocetin were particularly evident in liver tissue morphology, where it significantly prevented the formation of fibrotic bridges, maintained hepatocyte integrity and preserved sinusoidal structure. Additionally, biochemical analysis revealed that crocetin treatment effectively restored glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities to near-normal levels. The study concluded that crocetin effectively mitigates thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis through its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties, suggesting potential therapeutic applications in liver disease.

Protective Effects of Crocetin against Thioacetamide-induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats

Background: Liver fibrosis is a progressive and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation that impairs hepatic function. Diosmin, a citrus-derived flavonoid, has shown promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in various models. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of diosmin against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. 
 
Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=10 each): control, TAA (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, three times per week), diosmin (50 mg/kg/day, oral) and TAA + diosmin. Treatments lasted for 6 weeks. Liver function, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis were assessed using standard biochemical assays, ELISA and histological evaluation with hematoxylin&ndash;eosin staining and Masson&rsquo;s trichrome. 
 
Result: TAA significantly impaired liver function, indicated by increased AST, ALT and ALP levels and decreased albumin. It also induced oxidative stress, reflected by increased NO and MDA levels and decreased levels of GSH, GPx, GR, SOD and CAT. Inflammatory markers including IL-1&beta;, TNF-&alpha; and NF-&kappa;B were elevated, while apoptotic indicators showed an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and enhanced caspase-3 activity. Diosmin co-treatment improved liver function, restored antioxidant status, reduced inflammatory mediators and regulated apoptotic markers. Histological findings supported these results by showing reduced fibrosis and preserved liver architecture. These findings suggest that diosmin effectively protects against thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties, warranting further investigation as a potential therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis.

Protective Effects of Crocetin against Thioacetamide-induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats

Evaluation of the Hepatoprotective Role of Diosmin in a Rat Model of Thioacetamide-induced Liver Fibrosis