title: Protective effect of salep on liver.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Salep is used for various purposes in food industries and traditional medicine. Therefore, evaluation of its effect on the liver seems to be necessary.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess salep effect on liver.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this experimental study, various concentrations of Salep were intraperitoneally administered to five groups of Wistar rats (control, placebo and 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg salep). After one month, liver enzymes and liver tissue were evaluated and compared between different groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant decreased level of liver enzymes, MDA (Malondialdehyde) and TOC (Total Oxidation Capacity) were found in various concentrations of salep administration. On the other hand, a significant increase was found in TAC (Total Antioxidant Capacity) level with various doses of salep.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Elevated level of total protein and albumin and decreased level of liver enzyme by salep extract were found in this study. Therefore, this plant may be a useful medicine for patients with liver diseases.
authors.affiliation: Infectious Diseases Department, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Morteza
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pourahmad
authors.affiliation: Parasitology Department, Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Hossein
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kargar Jahromi
authors.affiliation: Parasitology Department, Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Zahra
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Kargar Jahromi
keywords: Enzymes; Liver; Rat; Salep