Mitigating Cannabis sativa-induced liver toxicity in male Wistar rats: protective role of vitamin C.

Oluwasola A. · Journal of complementary & integrative medicine · 2026

**Background & Methods** This study examined Cannabis sativa (CS)-induced hepatotoxicity and the hepatoprotective potential of vitamin C in male Wistar rats. Three groups received oral CS at doses of 2, 4, or 6 mg/kg, with parallel groups co-administered vitamin C (4 mg/kg), for a three-week treatment period. Liver function biomarkers were assessed using standard analytical methods following sacrifice. **Key Findings** • Cannabis sativa administration at all tested doses (2, 4, and 6 mg/kg) significantly elevated hepatic enzyme markers (GGT, LDH, ALT, AST) and bilirubin while decreasing albumin and induced protein levels compared to controls, with dose-dependent increases in toxicity severity. • Co-administration of vitamin C (4 mg/kg) significantly attenuated CS-induced alterations in liver biomarkers at lower CS doses (2 and 4 mg/kg), suggesting partial hepatoprotective effects. • The highest CS dose (6 mg/kg) demonstrated pronounced hepatotoxic effects that were incompletely mitigated by the vitamin C dose employed, indicating insufficient protection at elevated cannabis exposure levels. **Dosage & Administration** Cannabis sativa: 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg administered orally. Vitamin C: 4 mg/kg administered orally. Treatment duration: three weeks. Route: oral administration with unrestricted access to food and water. **Safety & Adverse Effects** Not reported. The study focused on laboratory biomarkers of hepatotoxicity rather than clinical adverse event documentation. **Evidence Quality** This is a preclinical animal model study with notable limitations. The research employed an experimental design in male Wistar rats, limiting direct translational applicability to human populations. The three-week treatment period represents relatively short-term exposure assessment. A single vitamin C dose (4 mg/kg) was evaluated, precluding dose-response analysis for the protective agent. The authors acknowledge the need for higher vitamin C doses in future investigations. As a review article examining experimental data, this represents lower-level evidence (Level 4-5). The findings provide preliminary mechanistic insight into CS hepatotoxicity and potential antioxidant mitigation but require confirmation through human clinical trials before clinical recommendations can be established.