Protective Effects of Ellagic Acid Against Arsenic‐Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats: Impact of Heme Oxygenase‐1 Upregulation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Hepatotoxins, which may originate from chemicals, prescription medications, or medicinal plants, are a major cause of hepatotoxicity. This study aims to evaluate the protective role of ellagic acid (EA) in attenuating As III ‐induced hepatotoxicity in male rats. Forty male rats were used and divided into four groups (10 each). Group I: Negative control. Group II received 60 mg/kg/day of EA. Group III was intoxicated with As III at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. Group IV was intoxicated with As III and treated daily with 60 mg/kg/day of EA, starting from Day 1 concurrently with As III for a total of 14 days. According to the study, As III intoxication (Group III) led to liver damage, as indicated by increased hepatocyte vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) expression, and elevated serum biochemical markers—alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Hepatocyte damage was confirmed through histopathological examination. In contrast, Group IV demonstrated reduced liver damage, mild VEGF expression, HO‐1 upregulation, and improvements in biochemical markers. Overall, the findings suggest that EA alleviated As III ‐induced hepatotoxicity via the HO‐1 upregulation pathway, highlighting the therapeutic potential of EA in managing liver toxicity.