Protective effect of ingesting Citrus aurantifolia (lemon) peel against hepatic damage induced by ethanol in mice

Valle C.A.F.; Leiva G.P.; Calampa J.B.C.; Ríos Ó.G.P.; Gutiérrez J.M.H.; Gutiérrez Ó.G.H. · Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria (2025) · DOI: 10.12873/453flores

Resumen

Introduction: Liver diseases in Peru are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Ethanol consumption increases the risk of developing liver cirrhosis and other diseases. Objective: To determine the protective effect of ingesting Citrus aurantifolia (lemon) peel against ethanol-induced liver damage in mice (Mus musculus). Materials and methods: A randomized, experimental study was conducted. Thirty-five adult male Mus musculus mice were used. Citrus aurantifolia (lemon) peels were obtained by manual peeling, then oven-dried at 40 °C for 72 hours. They were then ground in a mill and subsequently sieved. They were suspended in a colloidal medium of water with 1% cornstarch. The mice were randomly assigned to five groups (n=7) and received the following oral treatments for five days: groups I and II: 1% starch suspension; group III: 100 mg/kg silymarin in 1% starch suspension; group IV: 100 mg/kg lemon peel; and group V: 400 mg/kg lemon peel. During the treatment period, group I received only 5% glucose solution in their water bowl, while groups II-V received 5% ethanol in glucose solution (5%) ad libitum. On the sixth day, after treatment, mice were fasted for 12 hours and then sacrificed. Results: Groups IV and V received higher GSH levels than group II (group IV, 68.2% higher and group V, 77.3% higher) (p<0.05); Less histological damage was also observed in groups IV-V (fatty liver) compared to group II (severe toxic hepatitis); however, lipid peroxidation levels in the liver tissue of groups IV-V were significantly higher (group IV, 35.4% higher; and group V, 55.6% higher) than in group II. Conclusions: Citrus aurantifolia administration has a hepatoprotective effect, expressed in the GSH and histological markers.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos