Ameliorative Effects of Quercetin on Tartrazine‐Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats: Insights Into Body Weight, Caspase Signaling, Cytokine Storm, Oxidative Stress, and Hepatocellular Proliferation

Protective role of Quercetin against the possible harmful effects of Tartrazine, which is widely used. These doses have been studied for the first time in the literature. Rats were divided: Control, Tartrazine, Quercetin, and Tartrazine + Quercetin. The substances were administered for 30 days. Afterward, liver tissues and blood samples were collected and biochemically and histopathologically analyzed. An increase was noted in oxidant (MDA, SOD) and oxidative stress index parameters (TOS, OSI) while decreases were seen in antioxidant parameters (GSH, CAT, TAS), inflammation markers (TNF-α, IL-6), apoptosis (Caspase 3) and histopathological deterioration (heterochromatic with pyknotic nuclei, pericentral hepatocyte necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration) in liver tissue. There was also an increase in oxidative stress index, inflammation markers, and liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, Direct and Total Bilirubin) in serum samples of the tartrazine group. In the quercetin group, antioxidant parameters in liver tissue increased, whereas oxidant parameters, inflammation markers, and liver function tests in serum samples decreased. Improvements in both biochemical, blood, and histopathological parameters were observed with the concomitant administration of quercetin compared to the tartrazine group. Tartrazine caused hepatotoxicity by increasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the liver tissues. Additionally, it led to widespread damage by elevating inflammation and worsening liver function test results in blood samples. Quercetin, however, showed strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and apoptotic effects. We recommend daily use of quercetin to protect the liver from the harmful effects of tartrazine.