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Journals / Avrupa Yaşam Bilimleri Dergisi / 2026 / Volume: 5 Issue: 1

Dose-dependent hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of Opuntia ficus-indica fruit extract against acetaminophen-induced oxidative injury in rats

Sinem Ilgın(Anadolu University)0000-0001-7331-1975
Büşra Korkut Çelikateş(Anadolu Üniversitesi)0000-0003-0149-3065
Başak Özlem Perk(Anadolu University)0000-0003-2036-7451
İpek Ertorun(Anadolu University)0000-0001-8328-4157
Hale Gamze Ağalar(Anadolu University)0000-0003-4826-5975
İ. Özkan Alataş(Osmangazi University)0000-0002-1753-8873
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-05-01
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

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⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

These findings demonstrate that low and moderate doses of OFI fruit aqueous extract exert significant hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects against APAP-induced oxidative injury, likely through enhancement of antioxidant defence and attenuation of oxidative and nitrosative stress.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a major cause of acute hepatic and renal injury, primarily driven by excessive formation of the reactive metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), glutathione depletion, and oxidative/nitrosative stress.
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Key Findings & Data:Adult male rats were pre-treated with OFI extract (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg, orally) for seven days, followed by a single APAP dose (3 g/kg) on day eight.
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Conclusion & Impact:These findings demonstrate that low and moderate doses of OFI fruit aqueous extract exert significant hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects against APAP-induced oxidative injury, likely through enhancement of antioxidant defence and attenuation of oxidative and nitrosative stress.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:acetaminophen · oxidative stress · hepatotoxicity

Abstract

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a major cause of acute hepatic and renal injury, primarily driven by excessive formation of the reactive metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), glutathione depletion, and oxidative/nitrosative stress. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (OFI) fruit contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that may protect against xenobiotic-induced organ damage. This study investigated the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of an aqueous OFI fruit extract against APAP-induced toxicity in rats, with emphasis on oxidative stress mechanisms. Adult male rats were pre-treated with OFI extract (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg, orally) for seven days, followed by a single APAP dose (3 g/kg) on day eight. After 24 h, serum biomarkers of hepatic and renal function (ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, total protein, CREA, BUN, Na⁺, K⁺) and tissue oxidative stress indices (CAT, SOD, NO, and MDA) were evaluated. APAP administration caused substantial elevations in serum ALT, AST, ALP, CREA, and BUN, together with decreased antioxidant enzyme activities and increased lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. Pre-treatment with OFI at 100 and 200 mg/kg markedly ameliorated these alterations, improving biochemical markers and restoring antioxidant defence. In contrast, the 400 mg/kg dose failed to provide significant protection and exacerbated some parameters, indicating a biphasic, dose-dependent response. These findings demonstrate that low and moderate doses of OFI fruit aqueous extract exert significant hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects against APAP-induced oxidative injury, likely through enhancement of antioxidant defence and attenuation of oxidative and nitrosative stress.

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Cite This Article

Ilgın, S., Çelikateş, B. K., Perk, B. Ö., Ertorun, İ., Ağalar, H. G., Alataş, İ. Ö. (2026). Dose-dependent hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of Opuntia ficus-indica fruit extract against acetaminophen-induced oxidative injury in rats. Avrupa Yaşam Bilimleri Dergisi, Volume: 5 Issue: 1. https://doi.org/10.55971/EJLS.1801161

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