Cholestasis is defined as a reduction or stagnation in bile secretion and flow. Inflammation results from blocked bile that leaks into the bloodstream and accumulates in the organs. It was postulated that cilnidipine would mitigate the liver damage linked to cholestasis by its confirmed farnesoid x receptor (FXR) activation. Hence, this study aimed to examine the impact and potential anticholestatic capabilities of cilnidipine in the rat’s model of cholestasis produced by α‑naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT), which is a widely used model that resembles human cholestasis. The white albino rats used in this investigation were separated into three distinct groups, with eight in each group. Negative control (Group I), in this group, rats get corn oil orally (1ml/kg) 48 hours before euthanized; Positive control (Group II), in this group, rats get a single dosage of Alpha-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT) (100mg/kg) orally 48 hours before euthanized; Treatment group (Group III), in this group, rats get orally (cilnidipine 10 mg/kg) for seven successive days, on the fifth day, rats received a single oral dose of ANIT (100mg/kg) 48 hours before euthanized. The results demonstrated that cilnidipine pretreatment decreased the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bile acids (TBA), direct bilirubin (DBIL), and total bilirubin (TBIL). Additionally, cilnidipine therapy also resulted in a decrease in oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. 

In conclusion, cilnidipine alleviates cholestasis in rats, which ANIT induces, according to the findings.