Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tamarix dioica on Liver Histopathological Changes in Rats Fed with High Fat Diet

Background and Objectives: Tamarix dioica is a medicinal herb in Sistan and Baluchestan, which has antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. This research aimed to investigate the effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract of this plant on liver damage caused by a high fat diet.   Methods: In this experimental study, 30 males adult Wistar rats, were randomly divided into 3 equal groups. The first group or the control group received a normal diet. The second group (hyperlipidemic group) received a high fat diet (HFD) for 30 days, and the third group received a high-fat diet for 30 days. In the following, the rats orally received hydroalcoholic extract of tamarix dioica (dose, 200mg/kg bw) for 30 days. serum liver enzymes. At the end of the period, blood samples were taken from the heart of the rats to assess liver enzymes and serum levels of cholesterol and triglyceride. After euthanasia, liver tissue samples, were taken and examined under a light microscope after staining with hematoxylin-eosin.   Results: Administration of the extract of Tamarix dioica (200mg/kg bw), significantly reduced serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to the hyperlipidemic rats with no treatment (p<0.001). Furthermore, the treatment with the extract of Tamarix dioica decreased the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) compared to the untreated hyperlipidemic rats (p<0.01). In histopathological evaluation, fat accumulation in cells, was significantly lower in Tamarix dioica treated rats compared to the hyperlipidemic rats.   Conclusion: Administration of Tamarix dioica extract can reduce the liver damage induced by high fat diet.