Ascorbic Acid ameliorates Isoniazid-Rifampicin induced Hepatocellular Damage in Rats

Phyto-constituents are widely recognized for hepatoprotective effects. Ascorbic acid is extensively studied for the radical scavenging effect. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of ascorbic acid against isoniazid and rifampicin induced liver damage in rats. Wistar rats were used in the present study. Hepato-cellular damage was produced by administration of isoniazid (100 mg/kg) and rifampicin (100 mg/kg) for 21 days. Ascorbic acid was administered in the dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. At the end of the study, blood was collected and biochemical studies were performed to determine antioxidant status. Ascorbic acid administration (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) caused restoration of AST, ALT and ALP. The level of SOD and catalase were also restored due to the administration of ascorbic acid. There was a decrement in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA and nitric oxide. The outcome of the study established ascorbic acid as a notable hepatoprotective effect. The radical scavenging and cytokine suppression effect is the possible mechanism associated with the hepatoprotective effect of ascorbic acid. • Ascorbic acid is a reported vitamin and antioxidant • Administration of ascorbic acid in rats resulted in restoration of AST, ALT and ALP. • There was also restoration of SOD and catalase. • The study establishes ascorbic acid as a hepatoprotective agent.