Antihepatotoxic nature of Ulva reticulata (Chlorophyceae) on acetaminophen-induced hepatoxicity in experimental rats.

Ulva reticulata, a marine edible green alga, is a known source of proteins, vitamins, and sulfated polysaccharides. Though there are many reports in the literature regarding the composition and antiviral property of Ulva sp., studies of the antihepatotoxic property of green seaweeds in animal model are scarce. We have studied the antihepatotoxic nature of this marine green edible alga, U. reticulata, in a hot water extract (150 mg/kg of body weight for a period of 15 days) against acetaminophen- induced hepatotoxicity in experimental albino rats. The acetaminophen-induced rats showed significant elevation in levels of the serum marker enzymes aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase and of lipid peroxides in liver tissue with decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. The levels of reduced glutathione and vitamins (E and C) were also decreased in the liver tissue of acetaminophen-intoxicated rats. The oral pretreatment with a hot water extract of U. reticulata reduced the hepatotoxicity triggered by acetaminophen considerably by improving the antioxidant status in experimental animals with depleted levels of lipid peroxides. These results indicate that the oral pretreatment with a hot water extract of U. reticulata in rats is effective in reducing the hepatic oxidative stress via free radical scavenging properties, suggesting an antihepatotoxic activity.