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Abstract
Many natural products confer health benefits against diverse diseases through their antioxidant activities. Rifampicin is often used in animal experiments to study the effects of substances on liver injury and the related mechanisms of action, among which oxidative stress is a major pathogenic factor. To compare anti-oxidant and hepatoprotective activities of ten herbs and identify and quantify phytochemicals for the one with strongest hepatoprotection. The antioxidant activity of ten medicinal herbs was determined by Ferric reducing activity (FRAP assay), Metal Chelating activity, DPPH radical-scavenging activity, Superoxide radical-scavenging activity and Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Their effects on Rifampicin-induced oxidative liver injury were evaluated and compared in rats model. The results revealed that all tested herbs attenuated Rifampicin -induced oxidative liver injury; each resulted in significant decreases in levels of serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and triacylglycerols. In addition, most herbs restored hepatic superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, glutathione levels, and reduced malondialdehyde levels. Murraya koenigii most effective herbs, exhibited the strongest hepatoprotective effect.This study is of value to assist the selection of more effective natural products for direct consumption and the development of nutraceuticals or therapeutics to manage oxidative stress-related diseases.