Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effects of Betula Alnoides Bark Extract: Insights from Methotrexate-Induced Liver Injury and FRAP Analysis

Abstract

Methotrexate (MTX), a widely used chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agent, is associated with significant hepatotoxicity mediated by oxidative stress and inflammation. This study explored the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of Betula alnoides bark extract (BABE) in an MTX-induced liver injury model, with a focus on its effects on biochemical and oxidative stress markers. Rats were divided into groups treated with MTX, silymarin, or varying doses of BABE (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg). Key hepatic and oxidative stress parameters, including SOD, CAT, TBARS, and GSH, were assessed, alongside lipid profile and serum protein levels. The antioxidant capacity of BABE was further evaluated using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. MTX significantly disrupted liver function, increased oxidative stress, and altered lipid and protein profiles. Co-treatment with BABE demonstrated dose-dependent hepatoprotection, restoring biochemical markers to near-normal levels, with the 600 mg/kg dose achieving results comparable to silymarin. BABE also mitigated lipid peroxidation, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, and restored serum protein and albumin levels. The FRAP assay confirmed BABE's strong antioxidant potential. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Betula alnoides bark extract as a natural alternative for mitigating oxidative stress and liver damage caused by MTX.