Effect of Co-administration of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Ethanolic Extract of Thymus vulgaris L. on Lipid Profile and Some Liver Function Parameters in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Medicinal plants are used in many countries as an alternative to synthetic drugs. Scientists are now paying attention towards herbal extracts to act as microbial agents due to the rise in bacterial resistance to antibiotics, which has increasingly led to world health issues. Thymus vulgaris L. and vitamin C are reported by researchers to have hepatoprotective properties, which are attributed to their antioxidant properties. Aim: This study was aimed at investigating the effect of co-administration of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and ethanolic extract of Thymus vulgaris L. on some liver function parameters (Albumin, Total Bilirubin, ALP, AST and ALT). Methods: A total of 20 male Wistar rats between 10 – 12 weeks of age, weighing 210 – 290g, were used for this study. The rats were divided into four groups of 5 rats per cage, viz., Group A (Normal control), Group B: Low dose (Extract + Vit C), Group C: Medium dose (Extract + Vit C) and Group D: High dose (Extract + Vit C). Administration of the ethanolic extract of Thymus vulgaris L. and vitamin C lasted for a period of 14 days. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 29.0) and Microsoft Excel (2019). Results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, and statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA followed by Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) post hoc test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Result: Short-term (2weeks) administration of Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and ethanolic extract of Thymus vulgaris L. had no statistically significant difference (P> 0.05) on liver function parameters (Albumin, Total Bilirubin, ALP, AST and ALT) between the test and normal control group. Conclusion: The study concludes that administration of the ethanolic extract of Thymus vulgaris L. and vitamin C, as long-term administration of both, could have a potent effect on lipid levels. Further studies are recommended to ascertain the potent effect of long-term administration of Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and ethanolic extract of Thymus vulgaris L. on liver function parameters assayed and the possible mechanism of action.