Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effects of Irradiated Chicory Root on Liver Necrosis

Background: Gamma irradiation has been recognized as a reliable and safe method for improving the bio-components of plants. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of irradiated chicory root extract on liver necrosis. Methods: Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were divided equally into six treatment groups: Group I) Control, Group II) CCl4, Group III) CCl4 + irradiated chicory root extract, Group IV) CCl4 + chicory root extract, Group V) irradiated chicory root extract, and Group VI) chicory root extract. Animals were treated for four weeks. At the end of the study, catalase, SOD, lipid peroxidation, ALT, AST, histopathology, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were evaluated. Results: The results showed that the elevated levels of LPO, ALT, and AST in the CCl4 group decreased due to irradiated chicory and chicory root extract. Also, molecular changes and abnormalities in liver tissue improved due to irradiated chicory and chicory root extract. Moreover, the results showed that irradiated chicory roots were more effective than non-irradiated chicory. Conclusions: In conclusion, gamma-ray can increase the bioactive components of chicory root and is more effective in the scavenging of free radicals that cause liver necrosis in CCl4-treated rats.