Protective effects of wheat and barley grasses on hepatotoxicity induced by tramadol in male rats

Nowadays tramadol is becoming abused more popular among teens in most countries worldwide; especially between males. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of barley and wheat grasses on hepatotoxicity induced by tramadol in male rats. Thirty male albino rats weighing (150-200 g) were divided into two main groups: The first group (5 rats) was fed on basal diet and kept as a negative group (G-). The second group (25rats) was fed on basal diet and administrated tramadol (30mg/kg/day) orally for 30 days. After that, the rats were divided into five subgroups as following: Subgroup (1): kept as a positive group (G+). Subgroups (2&3) were given tramadol +wheat grass (250 and 500mg/kg body weight) and Subgroups (4&5) were given tramadol + barley grass (250 and 500mg/kg body weight) orally for 30 days. The biochemical data showed elevated liver enzymes; alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and in direct bilirubin as well as liver weight in tramadol group (G+). A significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxides (NO) were also noticed in (G+). While, there were a significant decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) levels in tramadol group (G+). Concomitant use of barley and wheat grass with tramadol induced improvement in the hepatotoxic effects. The best results were recorded for the groups treated with high dose (500mg/kg body weight) of barley and wheat grass. It was concluded from the present results that administration of barley and wheat grass with tramadol can ameliorating tramadol-induced hepatotoxicity which might be due to its antioxidant potential.