Recent interventions on carbon tetrachloride-mediated free radical toxicity in liver and kidney and role of antioxidants: A review

¹ Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Jeppiaar Nagar, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai - 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India
² Department of Biotechnology, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Jeppiaar Nagar, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai - 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India.
³ Department of Biochemistry, Aureus University School of Medicine, Oranjestad, Aruba.

^* Corresponding Author: Name: Dayanandan Anandan Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 16 April 2026

Abstract

By turning into very reactive free radicals, various substances, including environmental pollutants and some medications, damage cells in many organs. The most harmful of these is carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). It affects not only the liver but also the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and reproductive organs. CCl₄ is toxic to the liver and kidneys. It breaks down into more reactive radicals in the liver through the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. The main radicals produced are trichloromethyl (CCl₄) and trichloromethyl peroxyl (OOCCl₄). These radicals cause harm by producing lipid peroxidation, disrupting mitochondrial function, and ultimately leading to cell death through processes like ferroptosis, necrosis, and apoptosis.This imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals leads to ongoing oxidative stress. This stress is connected to long-term issues like cancer, neurological diseases, and liver fibrosis. While synthetic medications can have side effects, plant-based natural antioxidants may neutralize these harmful radicals. They also offer anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and protective properties. This paper emphasizes the damaging effects of CCl₄ on cell and tissue membranes and explores how natural antioxidants could help prevent this damage.