Grape Juice (Vitis vinifera L.) Confers Dose-Dependent Hepatoprotection in a Model of Naproxen Sodium Toxicity

Abstract

This study investigated the prophylactic effects of freshly prepared raw grape juice (Vitis vinifera L.) against naproxen sodium-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Thirty rats were divided into five groups (n = 6): normal control; low- and high-dose naproxen groups (38.91 and 65.78 mg/kg); and corresponding groups receiving grape juice (27 and 54 mL/kg) with naproxen. Treatments were administered orally for 49 days. Hepatic and renal function was assessed using serum ALT, AST, ALP, BUN, creatinine, and lipid-profile parameters, while liver histopathology was evaluated microscopically. Naproxen administration significantly altered serum biochemical parameters (p < 0.001) and produced hepatic necrosis, fatty degeneration, and inflammatory infiltration. Grape juice co-administration significantly attenuated these biochemical and histological changes (p < 0.05), with the higher dose showing greater protective efficacy. Histological findings demonstrated substantial preservation of hepatic architecture. These results suggest that grape juice may provide dose-dependent protection against naproxen-associated hepatic injury, warranting further mechanistic and clinical investigation.