Counteracting Hepatic Fibrosis from CCl4 in Albino Rats Using Epigallocatechin Gallate Extracted from Camellia sinensis

Abstract

The liver plays vital roles in metabolism, excretion, and synthesis necessary for animal health. However, when fibrosis or cirrhosis occurs, these essential physiological functions are compromised. Controlling and halting the progression of liver fibrosis toward cirrhosis is therefore critically important. This study aimed to assess the antifibrotic potential of green tea extract (GTE) against hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Sixty male albino rats were divided into four groups: a control group receiving olive oil (1 mL/kg, intraperitoneally) and saline (1 mL/kg/day orally), a CCl4 group receiving 1 mL/kg of CCl4, a group treated with green tea extract (72 mg/kg/day orally), and a group co-treated with both CCl4 and green tea extract. The CCl4 administration resulted in severe hepatotoxicity, evidenced by impaired liver function. Treatment with green tea significantly improved liver function tests and enhanced antioxidant activity. These results indicate that green tea extract, rich in polyphenols, exhibits hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects in the context of chemically induced liver injury.