Hepato-Protective Effect of Quercetin Against Etoposide-Induced Hepatoxicity in Female Albino Rats

Student: Ruth Oluwaseun Johnson (Project, 2025)
Department of Science Laboratory Technology
Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

Abstract

The abstract summarizes a study investigating the hepatoprotective effect of quercetin against etoposide-induced liver toxicity in female albino rats. Etoposide, a chemotherapy drug, causes liver damage through oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. To test quercetin’s protective potential, rats were divided into five groups: control, three etoposide-treated groups (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), and one group treated with both etoposide (20 mg/kg) and quercetin (10 mg/kg).

Biochemical markers such as AST, ALT, LDH, SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA were analyzed, and liver tissues were examined histologically. Results showed that etoposide significantly increased liver enzymes and lipid peroxidation (MDA) while decreasing antioxidant enzyme levels, indicating severe liver injury. Co-treatment with quercetin restored antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced oxidative damage, and improved liver histology by preserving hepatocyte structure.

The study concludes that quercetin provides strong hepatoprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, restoring enzymatic balance, and maintaining liver tissue integrity. It suggests that quercetin could serve as a potential adjunct therapy to protect the liver in patients undergoing etoposide chemotherapy.

Keywords
1. Quercetin 2. Etoposide 3. Hepatotoxicity 4. Antioxidant 5. Oxidative stress 6. Liver enzymes 7. Hepatoprotection 8. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) 9. Histology 10. Chemotherapy
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