Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Effects of Osajin in Acetaminophen-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Background: Osajin (OSJ), a prenylated isoflavone from Maclura pomifera, has specific ethnobotanical or traditional medicinal uses. While its role in oxidative stress modulation is established, its efficacy in preventing acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity remains unexplored. This study evaluates the hepatoprotective effects of OSJ against APAP-induced liver injury in a rat model. Objectives: To investigate whether Osajin (OSJ), a prenylated isoflavone from Maclura pomifera, confers hepatoprotective effects against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in rats, and to assess its impact on oxidative stress–related pathways underlying APAP hepatotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four rats were divided, with six rats in each group, comprising four groups: control (distilled water), APAP control (single APAP dose on day 5), APAP + silymarin (100 mg/kg for a week), and APAP + OSJ (30 mg/kg for a week). Serum biomarkers and hematological parameters were assessed. Lipid profile markers, total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TGs) were evaluated. Oxidative stress was analyzed by measuring protein carbonyl (PCO) levels and the ferric-reducing ability, while antioxidant activity was assessed using superoxide dismutase and catalase assays. Histopathological examination was conducted to assess liver tissue damage. Results: OSJ significantly reduced alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, restored hematological parameters and lipid homeostasis, and alleviated oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity. Although slightly less effective than silymarin (SM), OSJ provided substantial hepatoprotection. Histopathological analysis confirmed preserved hepatic architecture with reduced inflammation and necrosis, further supporting its protective role. Conclusion: In this study, nursing care plays a critical role in translating scientific findings into clinical practice, particularly through the monitoring and management of adverse effects and effective collaboration with physicians. OSJ demonstrated notable hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties, indicating its potential utility as an agent for mitigating acetaminopheninduced hepatotoxicity.