Effect Of Terminalia Arjuna On Amiodarone Induced Body And Liver Weight Dysregulation.

Abstract

Background:Amiodarone, a class III antiarrhythmic drug, is known to cause hepatotoxicity through mitochondrial dysfunction, phospholipidosis, and accumulation of toxic metabolites. Although several herbal agents show hepatoprotective potential, the protective effects of Terminalia arjuna against amiodarone-induced liver injury have not been fully explored.Objective:To evaluate the effect of amiodarone on liver morphology and to determine the hepatoprotective potential of Terminalia arjuna at two different doses.Methods:Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: control, amiodarone-treated (70 mg/kg/day), and two treatment groups receiving amiodarone plus T. arjuna aqueous extract at 250 mg/kg/day and 500 mg/kg/day for four weeks. Body weight, liver weight, and liver–body weight index were measured and analyzed using ANOVA and post-hoc comparisons.Results:Amiodarone administration significantly increased body weight, liver weight, and liver–body weight index (p<0.05), indicating hepatic enlargement and injury. Co-treatment with T. arjuna reduced these elevations, with the 500 mg/kg dose showing the most notable improvement, approaching near-normal values.Conclusion:Terminalia arjuna exhibits a clear dose-dependent hepatoprotective effect against amiodarone-induced liver injury. Its ability to restore liver weight and liver–body weight index highlights its therapeutic potential as a natural adjunct in managing drug-induced hepatotoxicity.