Abstract
Phoenix dactylifera (Ajwa khajur) is pharmacologically important plant because of its hepatoprotective, nephroprotective,
gastroprotective, antihyperlipidemic and anticancerous properties. In present study, hepatoprotective effect of Phoenix
dactylifera was observed in adult albino rabbits. Isoniazid (INH) is a first line antitubercular agent but it has hepatotoxicity
causing potential due to the generation of reactive oxygen species on its prolong use. Thirty adult albino rabbits of either sex
were used in this study. Hepatoprotective potential of date palm was screened by using its two doses i.e. 150mg/kg/day and
300mg/kg/day up to 14 days. Results have shown that experimental animals treatment with date palm significantly prevented
elevation of liver function enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP). Alteration in oxidative status parameters (TAC, TOS, MDA and
catalase) significantly prevented as compared to isoniazid induced hepatotoxic animals. Also, complete blood count evaluation
showed increase in blood cells number. All above findings were also confirmed by histopathological studies. Liver tissue
samples showed normal hepatocytes architecture in date palm treated groups. Therefore, from the results we can conclude that
Phoenix dactylifera fruit possesses hepatoprotective activity and have a mild hematopoietic effect.
