Evaluation of the Protective Effects of Cinnamon on Liver and Kidney Function in Rabbits Exposed to Paracetamol Toxicity

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of cinnamon against paracetamol-induced toxicity in male rabbits. Liver and kidney functions were assessed by measuring serum biomarkers including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatinine, and urea. Paracetamol administration significantly elevated AST (48.34 ± 0.797 U/L), ALT (45.29 ± 2.073 U/L), GGT (7.90 ± 0.248 U/L), creatinine (1.00 ± 0.094 g/dL), and urea (44.76 ± 1.754 mg/dL), while reducing albumin levels (3.61 ± 0.121 mg/dL), indicating marked hepatic and renal dysfunction (p < 0.05). Conversely, cinnamon significantly reduced elevated liver enzymes and normalized kidney biomarkers, demonstrating a protective effect. Notably, the co-administration of cinnamon with paracetamol led to partial restoration of AST (39.50 ± 1.500 U/L), ALT (39.46 ± 1.402 U/L), GGT (6.80 ± 0.060 U/L), creatinine (0.76 ± 0.052 g/dL), and urea (40.48 ± 0.594 mg/dL), suggesting mitigation of paracetamol-induced damage. These effects are likely mediated by cinnamon’s bioactive constituents such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The findings suggest that cinnamon supplementation may offer therapeutic benefits in preventing drug-induced hepatorenal injury.