Enhanced adsorption capacity of modified activated charcoal attenuates paracetamol-induced biochemical alterations and oxidative stress in rats

This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of an ultrasound-assisted, NH ₄ Cl-modified activated charcoal (MAC), prepared from Calligonum comosum wood, in a rat model of acute Paracetamol (APAP) intoxication. Previous in vitro studies under standard and simulated gastric and intestinal conditions confirmed MAC’s high adsorption capacity and stability, providing a rationale for its in vivo evaluation. Forty-nine male Wistar rats were allocated to seven groups: control, MAC alone, APAP alone, APAP followed by MAC at 5, 15, or 30 min, and APAP followed by hospital-grade activated charcoal (HAC) at 15 min. Serum APAP concentrations were measured at 4 and 24 h, while serum hepatic and renal biochemical markers, as well as blood-based oxidative stress biomarkers, were evaluated at 24 h. MAC reduced serum APAP concentrations across different post-exposure administration intervals. Compared with HAC, the MAC 15-min group demonstrated significantly greater APAP-lowering effects at both 4 and 24 h. In parallel, MAC attenuated APAP-induced elevations in ALT, AST, ALP, urea, creatinine, and MDA, and restored red blood cell GSH levels and erythrocyte SOD activity toward control values. These APAP-lowering and biochemical effects are likely associated with its improved physicochemical characteristics, including a well-developed porous structure, high specific surface area, and enriched oxygen- and nitrogen-containing functional groups, which together promote superior adsorption capacity. Overall, these findings support further preclinical investigation of MAC as a gastrointestinal adsorbent for acute APAP intoxication.