β-Glucan Mitigates Valproic Acid-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats

Authors

• Maha Mohammad Almutairi, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.Follow
• Hussein Mohammad Ali, Community Pharmacy, Taif Al-Dawa Pharmacy, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.
• Mohamed Abdelbakky, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
• Ahmad Hamad Alhowail, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.

Keywords

Valproic acid; hepatotoxicity; nephrotoxicity; β-glucan; oxidative stress

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

Valproic acid (VPA) is a common medication used to treat epilepsy, known for its broad-spectrum efficacy but also associated with hepatotoxicity and metabolic disturbances. β-glucan, a natural polysaccharide with hepatoprotective properties, may mitigate druginduced liver damage. The study sought to assess hepatorenal toxicity of VPA and investigate the potential protective and therapeutic effects of β-glucan. Forty male rats were randomly distributed into four groups. The treated group received VPA (500 mg/kg), β-glucan (50 mg/kg), or combinations for 14–21 days via intraperitoneal injection. Serum biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, urea, creatinine, lipids) were measured. Histopathological evaluation of hepatic tissue was performed. VPA caused significant elevations in serum ALT and AST, as well as histological liver damage. Co-treatment with β-glucan significantly attenuated hepatic and renal dysfunction in VPA-treated groups, preserving tissue architecture. VPA exhibited both hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic potential. However, β-glucan co-administration provided a protective effect against both VPA-induced hepatic and renal toxicities. Keywords: Valproic acid; hepatotoxicity; nephrotoxicity; β-glucan; oxidative stress

Publisher

Saudi Toxicology Society

Recommended Citation

Almutairi, Maha Mohammad; Ali, Hussein Mohammad; Abdelbakky, Mohamed; and Alhowail, Ahmad Hamad (2026) "β-Glucan Mitigates Valproic Acid-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats," Saudi Toxicology Journal: Vol. 3: Iss. 1, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70957/uqu.edu.sa/s.toxicology.s/stj.2026.1.3.8
Available at: https://stj.researchcommons.org/journal/vol3/iss1/4

DOI

https://doi.org/10.70957/uqu.edu.sa/s.toxicology.s/stj.2026.1.3.8

February 2026