Effects of acetylbergenin against D -galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Chemistry and Pharmacology of Bergenin or Its Derivatives: A Promising Molecule

Bergenin is a glycosidic derivative of trihydroxybenzoic acid that was discovered in 1880 by Garreau and Machelart from the rhizomes of the medicinal plant Bergenia crassifolia (currently: Saxifraga crassifolia—Saxifragaceae), though was later isolated from several other plant sources. Since its first report, it has aroused interest because it has several pharmacological activities, mainly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In addition to this, bergenin has shown potential antimalarial, antileishmanial, trypanocidal, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antinociceptive, antiarthritic, antiulcerogenic, antidiabetic/antiobesity, antiarrhythmic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and cardioprotective activities. Thus, this review aimed to describe the sources of isolation of bergenin and its in vitro and in vivo biological and pharmacological activities. Bergenin is distributed in many plant species (at least 112 species belonging to 34 families). Both its derivatives (natural and semisynthetic) and extracts with phytochemical proof of its highest concentration are well studied, and none of the studies showed cytotoxicity for healthy cells.

Ganoderma lucidum: Current advancements of characteristic components and experimental progress in anti-liver fibrosis

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum, Lingzhi) is a well-known herbal medicine with a variety of pharmacological effects. Studies have found that G. lucidum has pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, antitumor, anti-aging, anti-liver fibrosis, and immunomodulation. The main active components of G. lucidum include triterpenoids, polysaccharides, sterols, peptides and other bioactive components. Among them, the triterpenoids and polysaccharide components of G. lucidum have a wide range of anti-liver fibrotic effects. Currently, there have been more reviews and studies on the antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-aging properties of G. lucidum. Based on the current trend of increasing number of liver fibrosis patients in the world, we summarized the role of G.lucidum extract in anti-liver fibrosis and the effect of G. lucidum extract on liver fibrosis induced by different pathogenesis, which were discussed and analyzed. Research and development ideas and references are provided for the subsequent application of G. lucidum extracts in anti-liver fibrosis treatment.

Clinical Potential of Himalayan Herb Bergenia ligulata: An Evidence-Based Study

Herbal products have been used in traditional systems of medicine and by ethnic healers for ages to treat various diseases. Currently, it is estimated that about 80% of people worldwide use herbal traditional medicines against various ailments, partly due to easy accessibility and low cost, and the lower side effects they pose. Bergenia ligulata, a herb ranging from the Himalayas to the foothills, including the north-eastern states of India, has traditionally been used as a remedy against various diseases, most prominently kidney stones. The medicinal properties of B. ligulata have been attributed to bergenin, its most potent bioactive component. Apart from bergenin, the other compounds available in B. ligulata are arbutin, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, catechin, ferulic acid, afzelechin, paashaanolactone, caryophyllene, 1,8-cineole, β-eudesmol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, parasorbic acid, 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol, phytol, terpinen-4-ol, tannic acid, isovalaric acid, avicularin, quercetin, reynoutrin, and sitoinoside I. This review summarizes various medicinal properties of the herb, along with providing deep insight into its bioactive molecules and their potential roles in the amelioration of human ailments. Additionally, the possible mechanism(s) of action of the herb's anti-urolithiatic, antioxidative, antipyretic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties are discussed. This comprehensive documentation will help researchers to better understand the medicinal uses of the herb. Further studies on B. ligulata can lead to the discovery of new drug(s) and therapeutics for various ailments.

Bergenin - a biologically active scaffold: Nanotechnological perspectives

Bergenin, 4-O-methyl gallic acid glucoside, is a bioactive compound present in various plants belonging to different families. The present work compiles scattered information on pharmacology, structure activity relationship and nanotechnological aspects of bergenin, collected from various electronic databases such as Sci Finder, PubMed, Google scholar, etc. Bergenin has been reported to exhibit hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, antiviral and antimicrobial activities. Molecular docking studies have shown that isocoumarin pharmacophore of bergenin is essential for its bioactivities. Bergenin holds a great potential to be used as lead molecule and also as a therapeutic agent for development of more efficacious and safer semisynthetic derivatives. Nanotechnological concepts can be employed to overcome poor bioavailability of bergenin. Finally, it is concluded that bergenin can be emerged as clinically potential medicine in modern therapeutics.

Hepatocyte growth factor and fish oil facilitated reversal of D-galactosamine-induced toxicity in primary hepatocyte cultures of albino mice

D-galactosamine (Ga1N), a well-known hepatotoxic agent, induces liver injury resembling human viral hepatitis usually followed by the regeneration processes. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a cytoprotective factor involved in regeneration of the injured liver. However, the effects of exogenous HGF remain poorly understood because of its rapid clearance by the liver. This study was undertaken to find out whether HGF and fish oil facilitated the reversal of GalN-induced toxicity in primary hepatocyte cultures of albino mice. Primary hepatocytes cultures were established from mice liver tissue. The study involved the effect of GalN on hepatocytes and also determination of the protective role of fish oil on hepatocyte cultures. Cell proliferation tests and liver function tests were done to determine the degree of GalN effect on cultured hepatocytes. Biochemical parameters of cultured cells were also performed to check the recovery effect of fish oil on GalN-induced hepatotoxicity. The combination of Ga1N and HGF triggered cell proliferation in primary hepatocyte cultures specifying activation of regeneration through HGF. However, hepatocyte function tests revealed that although the regeneration process was initiated, its function was slightly altered by Ga1N. Therefore, to control its effect at a functional level, we tested fish oil doses and indicated its influence. This work can be a useful tool for studying hepatotoxic-induced cell regeneration in vitro; moreover, the data indicates that HGF and fish oil has hepatoprotective activity against Ga1N and may aid as a suitable adjuvant in clinical conditions associated with liver damage.

Endopleura uchi - A review about its nutritional compounds, biological activities and production market

Endopleura uchi (Huber) Cuatrec, known as uxi, is a native plant from the Amazon region, which has been used by locals for some pathology treatments. This review aimed to find the main uxi studies carried out in scientific literature. This compilation includes the biological activities that have been proven, parts of the plant that were exploited, as well as its nutritional properties. Uxi fruit has compounds, such as vitamins A and E, minerals, bioactive phenolic and organic acids, along with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and anti-cholesterol actions. Some E. uchi extract activities have been reported, such as: α-glucosidase and cyclooxygenases (COX1/COX2) inhibitions, in addition to anti-bactericidal properties. The isocoumarin compound, bergenin is responsible for many of the reported biological activities of this species. E. uchi can be used for manufacturing products in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, demonstrating its worth, regional economic growth, along the potential to dominate the worldwide market.

Cytotoxic Activity and Related Mechanisms of Prenylflavonoids Isolated from Mallotus conspurcatus Croizat

Five prenylflavonoids, 6-prenylnaringenin (1), 8-prenylnaringenin (2), 7-O-methyl-8-prenylnaringenin (3), 7-O-methyl-6-prenylnaringenin (4), and 4'-O-methyl-6-prenylnaringenin (5), were isolated from the traditional herb Mallotus conspurcatus Croizat (Euphorbiaceae). Compounds 1-5 revealed cytotoxic activity against cervical cancer (HeLa) cells with IC₅₀ values ranging from 10.08 to 60.16 μm by MTT method, and interestingly, these prenylflavonoids were less toxic to normal HL-7702 cells. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 5 could inhibit the c-myc expression and telomerase activity and cause mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings might contribute to a better understanding of the biological activities of prenylflavonoids and lay the foundation for further studies on the cytotoxic activity of natural products isolated from M. conspurcatus.

Toxicological Assessment of Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich.) Engl. Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract in Rats: Haematological, Biochemical, and Histopathological Studies

Pseudospondias microcarpa is used traditionally for treating various diseases. However, although parts of the plant are extensively used in African traditional medicine, no scientific study has been reported on its toxicity. Therefore, this study evaluated the acute and subacute toxicity studies of the ethanolic extract of P. microcarpa in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (120–150 g) were treated orally with the extract (30, 100, 300, 1000, and 3000 mg kg⁻¹) or distilled water (10 ml kg⁻¹) for 2 weeks and observed daily for general appearance and signs of toxicity. In addition, blood was collected for both biochemical and haematological assays. Sections of tissues from liver, kidney, spleen, brain, and stomach were also used for histopathological examination. Administration of the extract for 14 consecutive days caused no deaths, with an LD₅₀ above 3000 mg kg⁻¹. Except for lymphocytes (%) that showed a significant decrease (F_5,23 = 3.93, P = 0.013), all other haematological parameters remained unaffected by the extract. The extract at 100 mg kg⁻¹ showed a significant decrease in the levels of triglyceride and very-low-density lipoproteins (both at P < 0.05). Weight change as well as histological evaluation of the organs indicated no toxicity. The study demonstrates that an ethanolic extract of P. microcarpa given orally to rats is safe.

The protection of Thymus vulgaris leaves alcoholic extract against hepatotoxicity of alcohol in rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect of Thymus vulgaris (T. vulgaris) leaves 70% alcoholic extract against alcohol-mediate hepatotoxicity rats.

METHODS

The protective effect of T. vulgaris extract was investigated at dose of 500 mg/kg/day (as 0.1 of LD₅₀) orally against alcohol-mediate hepatotoxicity using adult male Wister albino rats during 21 days. Protective effect of T. vulgaris extract was evaluated comparing with silymarin standard drug at recommended dose (25 mg/kg/day) orally for 21 days. Serum liver and kidney functions, serum lipid profile, liver antioxidant enzymes activities, liver glutathione concentration (GSH), liver oxidative parameters and histopathological study of liver and kidney were estimated to find out protective effect of T. vulgaris extract.

RESULTS

Alcohol-mediate hepatotoxicity rats (alcohol-control) showed hepatocytes distortion represented as marked increment on liver biomarkers; alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities, as well as pronounced reduction on total protein and its fractions albumin and globulin production corresponding to normal ranges. Oxidative stress status was appeared on alcohol-control evident as significant depletion on GSH concentration, antioxidant enzymes activities; catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione- S- transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) recorded significant dwindling, concurrence with significant augmentation on oxidative stress parameters; malondyaldehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentrations with respect to normal values. Serum lipid profile was affected by alcohol administration, total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly reduced, meanwhile high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was raised comparing to normal ranges. Co-administration of T. vulgaris extract with alcohol showed protective effect on hepatocytes manifested as remarkable minimizing on ALP, AST and ALT activities and marked increment on total protein, albumin and globulin production compared to alcohol-control. Amelioration was achieved on oxidative stress status on rats co-administrated T. vulgaris extract with alcohol. Accordingly, antioxidant enzymes activities; CAT, SOD, GR, GST and GPx were significantly magnified, while oxidative stress parameters; MDA and H₂O₂ concentration were significantly lessened corresponding to alcohol-control. Also, lipid profile was markedly improved and risk ratio was lowered by T. vulgaris extract co-administrated in comparison with alcohol-control. All these obvious results were confirmed by histopathological examination, which illustrated that extract showed normalization of degenerated and fibrotic liver tissue as of alcohol-control.

CONCLUSION

T. vulgaris extract protected hepatocytes from damaging by alcohol reflecting improvement on liver performance and inhibition of oxidative stress status of liver. T. vulgaris extract appeared hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities on alcohol-mediate hepatotoxicity rats compared to silymarin.

Protective effect of Porphyra yezoensis glycoprotein on D-galactosamine‑induced cytotoxicity in Hepa 1c1c7 cells

The present study aimed to examine the signaling pathways and enzyme activity associated with the protective effect of Porphyra yezoensis glycoprotein (PYGP) on D‑galactosamine (D‑GaIN)‑induced cytotoxicity in Hepa 1c1c7 cells. D‑GaIN is commonly used to induce hepatic injury models in vivo as well as in vitro. PYGP was extracted from Porphyra yezoensis, a red algae distributed along the coasts of Republic of Korea, China and Japan. In the present study, Hepa 1c1c7 cells were pre‑treated with PYGP (20 and 40 µg/ml) for 24 h and then the media was replaced with D‑GaIN (20 mM) and PYGP (20 and 40 µg/ml). The results demonstrated that D‑GaIN induced Hepa 1c1c7 cell death and pretreatment with PYGP was found to attenuate D‑GaIN toxicity. In addition, D‑GaIN decreased the antioxidant activity and increased lipid peroxidation processes; however, pre‑treatment with PYGP reduced the generation of lipid peroxidation products, such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, as well as increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione‑s‑transferase (GST). PYGP was shown to suppress the overexpression of extracellular signal‑regulated kinase, c‑jun N‑terminal kinase and p38 mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation induced by D‑GaIN. Furthermore, PYGP increased the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2), quinine oxidoreductase 1, GST and heme oxygenase 1 protein expression. These results suggested that PYGP had cytoprotective effects against D‑GaIN‑induced cell damage, which may be associated with MAPKs and the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Diversity, pharmacology and synthesis of bergenin and its derivatives: potential materials for therapeutic usages

Bergenin, a natural secondary metabolite, has been isolated from different parts of a number of plants. It is one of active ingredients in herbal and Ayurvedic formulations. It exhibits antiviral, antifungal, antitussive, antiplasmodial, antiinflammatory, antihepatotoxic, antiarrhythmic, antitumor, antiulcerogenic, antidiabetic and wound healing properties. It has been analyzed and estimated in different plant extracts, blood and drug samples using chromatographic techniques, and pharmacokinetic studies have been made. Several bergenin derivatives were isolated and/or synthesized and were found to possess pharmacological activities. Total synthesis of bergenin and its derivatives were reported. This review article covers literature on bergenin and its derivatives until 2013. Ethnomedicinal value of bergenin containing plant materials is also highlighted. This comprehensive review provides information on the potentiality of bergenin and its derivatives for therapeutic usages.

Evaluation of hepatocyteprotective and anti-hepatitis B virus properties of Cichoric acid from Cichorium intybus leaves in cell culture

Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world. To date, there is still no complete cure for chronic hepatitis B. Natural caffeic acid analogues possess prominent antiviral activity, especially anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) and anti-human immunodeficiency virus effects. Cichoric acid is a caffeic acid derivative from Cichorium intybus. In the study, the anti-hepatitis B property of cichoric acid was evaluated by the D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced normal human HL-7702 hepatocyte injury model, the duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV)-infected duck fetal hepatocytes and the HBV-transfected cell line HepG2.2.15 cells, respectively. The results showed that cichoric acid attenuated significantly D-GalN-induced HL-7702 hepatocyte injury at 10-100 µg/mL and produced a maximum protection rate of 56.26%. Moreover, cichoric acid at 1-100 µg/mL inhibited markedly DHBV DNA replication in infected duck fetal hepatocytes. Also, cichoric acid at 10-100 µg/mL reduced significantly the hepatitis B surface and envelope antigen levels in HepG2.2.15 cells and produced the maximum inhibition rates of 79.94% and 76.41%, respectively. Meanwhile, test compound at 50-100 µg/mL inhibited markedly HBV DNA replication. In conclusion, this study verifies the anti-hepatitis B effect of cichoric acid from Cichorium intybus leaves. In addition, cichoric acid could be used to design the antiviral agents.

Sulfated polysaccharide isolated from Ulva lactuca attenuates d-galactosamine induced DNA fragmentation and necrosis during liver damage in rats

Abstract Context: Ulva lactuca Linnaeus (Chlorophyceae), a commonly distributed seaweed, is rich in polysaccharide but has not been studied extensively. Objective: The present study investigated the effects of crude fraction of Ulva lactuca polysaccharide (ULP) on d-galactosamine (d-Gal)-induced DNA damage, hepatic oxidative stress, and necrosis in rats. Materials and methods: The rats were treated with ULP (100 mg/kg, orally) for 4 weeks before a single intraperitoneal injection of d-Gal (500 mg/kg). In addition to liver cell necrosis and DNA damage, antioxidant parameters, such as lipid peroxide (LPO), superoxide dismutase, and catalase, and histopathology of liver tissue were evaluated. Results: ULP pre-treatment significantly attenuated a d-Gal-induced decrease in DNA and RNA levels (3.67 ± 0.38) and (5.42 ± 0.46), respectively. Comet tail length and acridine staining confirmed the number of cells undergoing necrosis were relatively lower in ULP treated rats (30 µm and 8-10% of counted cells) compared to rats treated with d-Gal (60 µm and 16% of counted cells). Biochemical (LPO, SOD and CAT) and histological evaluation (p < 0.01) confirmed the anti-hepatotoxic and antioxidant property of crude polysaccharide against d-Gal-induced elevation of LPO and infiltration of inflammatory cells into liver tissue. Discussion and conclusion: Although our previous studies have reported on the protective role of ULP against liver toxicity, our present findings show that ULP improved the hepatic antioxidant defense system against d-Gal-induced DNA damage and necrosis in rats.

Effect of lycopene on oxidative stress induced during D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-sensitized liver injury in rats

CONTEXT

Lycopene is a phytonutrient under considerable investigation for its antioxidant benefits in treating diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the effect of lycopene against oxidative damage during experimental hepatitis, induced by D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (D-GalN/LPS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental rats were pretreated with lycopene intraperitoneally for 6 d (10 mg/kg body weight/day) and then induced by D-GalN/LPS. After induction, the levels of lipid peroxides in serum and liver of control and experimental group of animals were measured. The activities of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase and nonenzymatic antioxidants, such as reduced glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E were also analyzed. The genotoxic effect of D-GalN/LPS was evaluated through the comet assay.

RESULTS

The elevated level of lipid peroxides induced by D-GalN/LPS was significantly (p < 0.05) reverted in lycopene pretreated animals. Lycopene administration restored (p < 0.05) the decreased activities of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant markers during D-GalN/LPS induction. The DNA strand breaks (72.3 μM) generated during d-GalN/LPS toxic injury was significantly reduced (35.5 μM) upon pretreatment with lycopene as observed by reduced tail movement in comet assay.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

There is no conclusive report about lycopene-assisted protection against free radical mediated toxic injury induced by D-GalN/LPS. Our findings reveal that lycopene effectively combated oxidative damage and protected antioxidant defense status of the cell. Pretreatment of lycopene also offers protection against the DNA damage and confirms the antioxidant nature of the phytonutreint against experimental hepatitis.

ent-Labdane diterpenes from the stems of Mallotus japonicus

Eight new ent-labdane diterpenoids, mallonicusins A-H (1-8), were isolated from the stems of Mallotus japonicus. Their structures, including the absolute configurations, were determined by extensive analyses of spectroscopic data and the ECD spectra of the Pr(FOD)₃ complex of substrates in CCl₄. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography using Cu Kα radiation.

Hepatoprotective effects of mushrooms

The particular characteristics of growth and development of mushrooms in nature result in the accumulation of a variety of secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, terpenes and steroids and essential cell wall components such as polysaccharides, β-glucans and proteins, several of them with biological activities. The present article outlines and discusses the available information about the protective effects of mushroom extracts against liver damage induced by exogenous compounds. Among mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum is indubitably the most widely studied species. In this review, however, emphasis was given to studies using other mushrooms, especially those presenting efforts of attributing hepatoprotective activities to specific chemical components usually present in the mushroom extracts.

Hepatoprotective and antiviral properties of isochlorogenic acid A from Laggera alata against hepatitis B virus infection

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The aim of this study was to determine the anti-hepatitis B effect of isochlorogenic acid A isolated from Laggera alata (Asteraceae), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-hepatitis B activity of isochlorogenic acid A was evaluated by the D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced HL-7702 hepatocyte damage model and the HBV-transfected HepG2.2.15 cells.

RESULTS

Isochlorogenic acid A significantly improved HL-7702 hepatocyte viability and markedly inhibited the productions of HBsAg and HBeAg. The inhibitory rates of isochlorogenic acid A on the HBsAg and HBeAg expressions were 86.9% and 72.9%, respectively. In addition, isochlorogenic acid A declined markedly the content of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA (HBV cccDNA) and induced significantly the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in HepG2.2.15 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Isochlorogenic acid A was verified to possess the potent anti-hepatitis B activity. The anti-HBV target of isochlorogenic acid A is probably associated with blocking the translation step of the HBV replication. Overexpression of HO-1 may contribute to the anti-HBV activity of isochlorogenic acid A by reducing the stability of the HBV core protein and thus blocking the refill of nuclear HBV cccDNA. Additionally, the hepatoprotective effect of isochlorogenic acid A could be achieved by its antioxidative property and induction of HO-1.

Anti-hepatitis B virus effect and possible mechanism of action of 3,4-o-dicaffeoylquinic Acid in vitro and in vivo

The anti-hepatitis B activity of 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid isolated from Laggera alata was studied using the D-galactosamine- (D-GalN-) induced hepatocyte damage model, HepG2.2.15 cells, and with HBV transgenic mice. In vitro results showed that 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid improved HL-7702 hepatocyte viability and markedly inhibited the production of HBsAg and HBeAg. At a concentration of 100 μg/mL, its inhibitory rates on the expression levels of HBsAg and HBeAg were 89.96% and 81.01%, respectively. The content of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA (HBV cccDNA) in HepG2.2.15 cells was significantly decreased after the cells were treated with the test compound. In addition, 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid significantly increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in HepG2.2.15 cells. In vivo results indicated that the test compound at concentrations of 100 μg/mL significantly inhibited HBsAg production and increased HO-1 expression in HBV transgenic mice. In conclusion, this study verifies the anti-hepatitis B activity of 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid. The upregulation of HO-1 may contribute to the anti-HBV effect of this compound by reducing the stability of the HBV core protein, which blocks the refill of nuclear HBV cccDNA. Furthermore, the hepatoprotective effect of this compound may be mediated through its antioxidative/anti-inflammatory properties and by the induction of HO-1 expression.

Protective Properties of Laggera alata Extract and its Principle Components Against d-Galactosamine-Injured Hepatocytes

Laggera alata extract (LAE) was quantitatively analyzed, and its principle components isochlorogenic acids were isolated and authenticated. Protective properties of LAE were studied using a d-galactosamine (d-GalN)-induced injury model in neonatal rat hepatocytes and a d-GalN-induced acute liver damage model in mice. Meanwhile, the effect of isochlorogenic acids derived from LAE on d-GalN-induced hepatocyte injury were also measured in vitro. LAE at concentrations of 10-100 μg/ml significantly reduced cellular leakage of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and improved cell viability. The isochlorogenic acids (4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid) at concentrations of 1-100 μg/ml also remarkably improved viability of hepatocytes. The oral treatment of LAE at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg markedly reduced the serum AST and ALT activity of mice and resulted in significant recovery of hepatocytes in liver sections.

Protective effect of Amaranthus spinosus against D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatic failure

The current study is an effort to identify the hepatoprotective activity of the 50% ethanol extract of the whole plant of Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (Amaranthaceae) against d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (d-GalN/LPS)-induced liver injury in rats. d-GalN/LPS (300 mg/kg body weight/30 µg/kg body weight)-induced hepatic damage was manifested by a significant (p <0.05) increase in the activities of marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and gamma glutamyl transferase) and bilirubin level in serum while phospholipids significantly decreased. All other parameters, i.e. cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids were increased significantly in both serum and liver compared to the control group. Pretreatment of rats with A. spinosus extract (400 mg/kg) significantly (p <0.05) reversed these altered parameters to normal compared to the intoxicated group. The biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. There were no significant changes in the activities of marker enzymes, bilirubin level and lipids in the rats treated with A. spinosus extract alone. Results of this study revealed that A. spinosus extract could afford a significant protection against d-GalN/LPS-induced hepatocellular injury.

Dose response effect of rutin a dietary antioxidant on alcohol-induced prooxidant and antioxidant imbalance - a histopathologic study

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of rutin on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner in rats. Male albino rats were divided into six groups. Group 1 rats served as control and group 2 rats received rutin 100 mg/kg body weight. Hepatotoxicity was induced in groups 3-6 rats (20% ethanol) for 60 days. In addition, groups 4-6 rats received rutin at doses of 25, 50, 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively for the last 30 days of the experiment. We observed a significant increase in the activities of liver marker enzymes, serum amino transferases, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, and a decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione and its related enzymes, vitamins C and E when compared to ethanol-fed rats. Rutin supplementation along with ethanol significantly decreased the levels of liver marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation and significantly elevated the activities of liver SOD, CAT, GSH, glutathione peroxidase, vitamins C and E when compared to untreated ethanol supplemented rats. Among the three doses, 100 mg/kg body weight of rutin was found to exert a more pronounced hepatoprotective effect against ethanol-induced toxicity. Our results were also confirmed by the histopathologic observations.

Influence of alpha lipoic acid on antioxidant status in D-galactosamine-induced hepatic injury

D-Galactosamine (GalN)-induced liver injury is associated with reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on acute GalN-induced oxidative liver injury. Hepatotoxicity induced by single intraperitoneal injection of GalN (500 mg/kg body wt) was evident from increase in lipid peroxidation and serum marker enzymes (asparate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase). The decreased activities of enzymic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) as well as glutathione levels were the salient features observed in GalN-induced hepatotoxicity. Pretreatment with ALA (50 mg/kg body weight for 7 days) significantly precluded these changes and prevents the hepatic injury. Hence, this study clearly exemplified that ALA might be a suitable candidate against GalN-induced cellular abnormalities.

Antihyperlipidemic effect of carvacrol on D-galactosamine-induced hepatotoxic rats

Carvacrol (2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-phenol) is a predominant monoterpenic phenol occuring in many essential oils of the family Labiatae including, Origanum, Satureja, Thymbra, Thymus, and Corydothymus species. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of carvacrol on D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. D-GalN-hepatotoxic rats exhibited elevation in the serum bilirubin level and the activities of the hepatic marker enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase. In the plasma, increased levels of very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol and decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed. Further, an increase in the levels of total cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, and free fatty acids in the plasma and tissues of liver and kidney were observed in hepatotoxic rats. The administration of carvacrol for 21 days prevented and improved these parameters toward normalcy. The results suggest that carvacrol affords a significant hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic effect against D-GalN-induced-rats.

Antioxidant activity of (+)-bergenin: a phytoconstituent isolated from the bark of Sacoglottis uchi Huber (Humireaceae)

(+)-Bergenin (1) was isolated from Sacoglottis uchi, a species of vegetable found in the Amazon region and popularly used for the treatment of several hepatic problems. The structure of 1 was fully characterized using IR, GC-MS and NMR (1D and 2D) analyses. This phytoconstituent has been used as an oriental folk medicine for the treatment of many diseases and shows antihepatotoxic properties. Tests with beta-carotene, DPPH and a heterogeneous Fenton system were carried out, confirming the antioxidant activity of 1. Theoretical calculations were performed to investigate the formation of the radical derivatives of 1 using *H, *OH, *CH(3), and *CCl(3) as initiator radicals. DFT thermodynamic calculations showed that the methoxyl group (O-6-CH(3)) is the most favorable site for radical attack. Frontier molecular orbital analysis showed that nucleophilic radical attack is favored on the aromatic ring of 1 where the LUMO is localized, with antibonding character with respect to the O-6-CH(3) bond. The possibilities of attack at other sites on 1 were investigated in detail in order to understand the regiospecificity of this reaction.

Galactosamine-induced hepatotoxic effect and hepatoprotective role of a protein isolated from the herb Cajanus indicus L in vivo

dd(+)-Galactosamine is a well-known experimental hepatotoxin. The present study was conducted to determine the protective role of a 43-kD protein isolated from the leaves of the herb Cajanus indicus L against D(+)-galactosamine (GalN) induced liver damage in mice. Both preventive and curative effects of the protein have been investigated in the study. The protein was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight for 4 days before and after GalN intoxication at a dose of 800 mg/kg body weight for 3 days. The increased activities of serum marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase because of GalN administration, were significantly reduced by the protein treatment. The protein also normalized the altered activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase as well as the levels of cellular metabolites, reduced glutathione, glutathione disulfide, and total thiols. In addition, the enhanced hepatic lipid peroxidation because of GalN intoxication was also effectively inhibited by the protein treatment. Results suggest that GalN caused hepatic damages via oxidative insult and that the protein provided protection through its antioxidant mechanism.

The effect of Z-FA.FMK on D-galactosamine/TNF-alpha-induced liver injury in mice

Cathepsin B is a cysteine proteinase, considered to have an important role in apoptosis, which is activated by D-galactosamine and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (D-GalN/TNF-alpha). Benzyloxycarbonyl-L-phenylalanine fluoromethyl ketone (Z-FA.FMK) is a cathepsin B inhibitor used in research on apoptotic pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Z-FA.FMK on apoptotic cell death, cell proliferation and liver damage induced by a D-GalN/TNF-alpha combination in mice. In the study, 1 h after administration of 8 mg/kg Z-FA.FMK by intravenous injection, D-GalN (700 mg/kg) and TNF-alpha (15 microg/kg) were administered by a single intraperitoneal injection. In the group given D-GalN/TNF-alpha, the following results were found: Degenerative changes in the liver tissue, significant increase in the number of both TUNEL and activated caspase-3-positive hepatocytes, a decrease in the number of PCNA-positive hepatocytes, an increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) and DNA levels in the liver tissue. In contrast, in the group given D-GalN/TNF-alpha and Z-FA.FMK, a decrease in the damage of the liver tissue, a significant decrease in TUNEL and activated caspase-3-positive hepatocytes, a significant increase in the number of PCNA-positive hepatocytes, a decrease in the LPO levels, an increase in GSH and DNA levels in the liver tissue were found. As a result, microscopic and biochemical evaluations indicate that Z-FA.FMK plays a protective role against liver injury induced by D-GalN/TNF-alpha and it has an inverse effect on hepatocyte apoptosis and proliferation in BALB/c mice.

Amelioration of galactosamine-induced nephrotoxicity by a protein isolated from the leaves of the herb, Cajanus indicus L

BACKGROUND

Galactosamine (GalN), an established experimental toxin, mainly causes liver injury via the generation of free radicals and depletion of UTP nucleotides. Renal failure is often associated with end stage liver damage. GalN intoxication also induces renal dysfunction in connection with hepatic disorders. Present study was designed to find out the effect of a protein isolated from the leaves of the herb Cajanus indicus against GalN induced renal damage.

METHODS

Both preventive as well as curative effect of the protein was investigated in the study. GalN was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 800 mg/kg body weight for 3 days pre and post to protein treatment at an intraperitoneal dose of 2 mg/kg body weight for 4 days. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), levels of cellular metabolites, reduced glutathione (GSH), total thiols, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and lipid peroxidation end products were determined to estimate the status of the antioxidative defense system. In addition, serum creatinine and urea nitrogen (UN) levels were also measured as a marker of nephrotoxicity.

RESULTS

Results showed that GalN treatment significantly increased the serum creatinine and UN levels compared to the normal group of mice. The extent of lipid peroxidation and the level of GSSG were also enhanced by the GalN intoxication whereas the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, GR and GST as well as the levels of total thiols and GSH were decreased in the kidney tissue homogenates. Protein treatment both prior and post to the toxin administration successfully altered the effects in the experimental mice.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that GalN caused a severe oxidative insult in the kidney. Protein treatment both pre and post to the GalN intoxication could protect the kidney tissue against GalN induced oxidative stress. As GalN induced severe hepatotoxicity followed by renal failure, the protective role of the protein against GalN induced renal damages is likely to be an indirect effect. Since the protein possess hepatoprotective activity, it may first ameliorate GalN-induced liver damage and consequently the renal disorders are reduced. To the best of our knowledge, this is probably the first report describing GalN-induced oxidative stress in renal damages and the protective role of a plant protein molecule against it.

Protective effect of Aquilegia vulgaris L. on aflatoxin B(1)-induced hepatic damage in rats

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of ethanol and ethyl acetate extract obtained from Aquilegia vulgaris L. on microsomal lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione level and antioxidant enzymes activity in the liver of rats intoxicated with aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)). Animals were pretreated with 12 daily p.o. doses of the extracts tested (100mg/kg body weight). Then AFB(1) was administered intraperitoneally at a single dose of 1.5mg/kg b.w. to evoke the liver damage. α-Tocopherol was used as a positive control. Reduced glutathione (GSH) was depleted in aflatoxin-treated rats by 80% in comparison with that in the controls. The extracts restored the GSH concentration up to the basal level. Microsomal lipid peroxidation stimulated by Fe(2+)/ascorbate (assessed by measuring TBARS) was enhanced in AFB(1)-treated rats by 28% as compared to that in the control group. The extracts caused a decrease in TBARS level by 40% and 27%. Only two antioxidant enzymes were affected by AFB(1) administration. The activity of catalase was reduced by 24% and the activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) was increased by 33%. The pretreatment with ethyl acetate and ethanol extract reduced the GST activity by 76% and 30%, respectively. No significant changes in the activity of other antioxidant enzymes were observed in rats treated with the extracts and AFB(1). It can be concluded that multiple pretreatment with the extracts obtained from A. vulgaris attenuated aflatoxin B(1)-induced hepatic damage as evidenced by inhibition of lipid peroxidation and preventing reduced glutathione depletion.

Momordin Ic and oleanolic acid from Kochiae Fructus reduce carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Hepatoprotective effects of momordin Ic and oleanolic acid obtained from Kochiae Fructus (KF), the fruit of a traditional Oriental medicinal plant, were evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, CCl4-treated, CCl4 plus momordin Ic-treated (MMDIc-CCl4), and CCl4 plus oleanolic acid-treated (OAA-CCl4). Momordin Ic (30 mg/kg of body weight) and oleanolic acid (30 mg/kg of body weight) were orally administered once a day for 14 days. A mixture of 0.2 mL/100 g of body weight of CCl4 in olive oil (1:1, vol/vol) was injected 30 minutes after the final administration of momordin Ic and oleanolic acid. The momordin Ic and oleanolic acid pretreatments resulted in significantly lower serum transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase levels in the CCl4-treated rats. The CCl4-treated rats had significantly lower activities of glutathione, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. However, pretreatment with momordin Ic and oleanolic acid reduced the effect of CCl4 and helped maintain levels of the enzymes. Pretreatment with momordin Ic and oleanolic acid resulted in significantly lower production of aminopyrine N-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase in the CCl4-treated rats. Pretreatment with momordin Ic resulted in lower catalase and aminopyrine N-demethylase activity induction by CCl4, towards normalization. Momordin Ic and oleanolic acid obtained from KF appear to contribute to alleviating the adverse effects of CCl4 treatment by enhancing the hepatic antioxidant defense system.

Effect of Aerva lanata against hepatotoxicity of carbon tetrachloride in rats

The partially purified petroleum ether extractable fraction of the whole plant Aerva lanata (PF) was evaluated for the protective effect against liver damage induced by carbon tetra chloride (CCl(4)) in Sprague Dawley rats. Rats were orally administered with PF (50 and 100mg/kg body weight) for 14 days before CCl(4) challenge and 100mg of PF alone for toxicity analysis without CCl(4) administration. The results showed that CCl(4) administration significantly damaged the liver as evident from histopathology and very high activity of serum and liver marker enzymes. It also reduced the antioxidant enzyme status of the animals. PF administration significantly reversed the histopathological changes and restored the elevated activities of liver marker enzymes and also enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities. The extract also reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation and increased the serum total protein and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of PF showed the presence of alkaloids. These observations clearly indicate that PF contains antioxidant alkaloids capable of ameliorating the CCl(4)-induced hepatic injury by virtue of its antioxidant activity.

Hepatoprotective activity of Tridax procumbens against d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatitis in rats

The hepatoprotective activity of aerial parts of Tridax procumbens was investigated against d-Galactosamine/Lipopolysaccharide (d-GalN/LPS) induced hepatitis in rats. d-GalN/LPS (300 mg/kg body weight/30 microg/kg body weight)-induced hepatic damage was manifested by a significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and gamma glutamyl transferase) and bilirubin level in serum and lipids both in serum and liver. Pretreatment of rats with a chloroform insoluble fraction from ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens reversed these altered parameters to normal values. The biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. Results of this study revealed that Tridax procumbens could afford a significant protection in the alleviation of d-GalN/LPS-induced hepatocellular injury.

Suppressive effect of corn bran hemicellulose on liver injury induced by D-galactosamine in rats

OBJECTIVE

It is well known that the indigestible oligo- and polysaccharides including dietary fiber are important food components and that they have many physiologic functions. This study examined the effect of water-soluble corn bran hemicellulose (CBH) on the development of D-galactosamine (GalN) hepatitis in rats to obtain some knowledge about new functions of dietary fiber.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were fed diets containing 5% CBH for various days (1 to 14 d). On the final day of feeding rats were treated with GalN (400 mg/kg), and their plasma transaminase (aspartate and alanine aminotransferases) activity (6 or 24 h later) and liver glutathione concentration (6 h later) were determined.

RESULTS

Ingested CBH suppressed the increase in plasma aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities 24 h after GalN treatment. Such suppressive effect was observed only 7 d after CBH ingestion and not after 1 or 3 d. In the early phase of the liver injury, at 6 h after GalN treatment, the liver glutathione concentration in the CBH group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the concentration in the CBH group after GalN injection was almost the same as that in the control group without GalN treatment.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that dietary CBH suppresses the development of hepatic injury by GalN in rats and that this phenomenon is partly attributable to the increase in hepatic glutathione concentration by CBH.

Effect of Tridax procumbens on liver antioxidant defense system during lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatitis in D-galactosamine sensitised rats

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of chloroform insoluble fraction of ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens (TP) against D-Galactosamine/Lipopolysaccharide (D-GalN/LPS)-induced hepatitis in rats. Induction of rats with D-GalN/LPS (300 mg/kg body weight/30 microg/kg body weight) led to a marked increase in lipid peroxidation as measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in liver. Further there was a decline in the activities of enzymic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione s-transferase and the levels of non-enzymic antioxidants namely reduced glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E. These biochemical alterations were normalised upon pretreatment with TP extract. Thus, the above results suggest that TP (300 mg/kg body weight orally for 10 days) is very effective in allievating the D-GalN/LPS-induced oxidative stress suggesting its antioxidant property.

Studies on the protective effects of caffeic acid and quercetin on chemical-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents

Caffeic acid and quercetin, the well-known phenolic compounds widely present in the plant kingdom, were investigated for their possible protective effects against paracetamol and CCl4-induced hepatic damage. Paracetamol at the oral dose of 1 g/kg produced 100% mortality in mice while pretreatment of separate groups of animals with caffeic acid (6 mg/kg) and quercetin (10 mg/kg) reduced the death rate to 20% and 30%, respectively. Oral administration of sub-lethal dose of paracetamol (640 mg/kg) produced liver damage in rats as manifested by the significant (P<0.01) rise in serum levels of aminotransferases (aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)) compared to respective control values. The serum enzyme values were significantly (P<0.01) lowered on pretreatment of rats with either caffeic acid (6 mg/kg) or quercetin (10 mg/kg). Similarly, the hepatotoxic dose of CCl4 (1.5 ml/kg; orally) also raised significantly (P<0.05) the serum AST and ALT levels as compared to control values. The same dose of the caffeic acid and quercetin was able to prevent CCl4-induced rise in serum enzymes. Caffeic acid and quercetin also prevented the CCl4-induced prolongation in pentobarbital sleeping time confirming their hepatoprotectivity. These results indicate that caffeic acid and quercetin exhibited hepatoprotective activity possibly through multiple mechanisms.

Substitution for natural musk in Pien Tze Huang does not affect its hepatoprotective activities

Previous studies showed that Pien Tze Huang, a Chinese folk medicine well known for its therapeutic activity in treating liver diseases, protected the liver against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced damage in mice. In the present study, natural musk, one of the important ingredients of Pien Tze Huang, was replaced by a formulated substitute, and the new formulation of Pien Tze Huang was shown to have similar chromatographic patterns to the original Pien Tze Huang in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography. When used in treating mice with CCl4- or galactosamine-induced liver damage, both the original and new formulations of Pien Tze Huang were found to be able to suppress to a similar extent both the histopathological changes in the liver and the elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Necrosis, cellular ballooning, microvesicular steatosis and lymphocytes infiltration were all significantly reduced in the damaged liver. In hepatoma cells, both formulations activated the activator protein 1 (AP1) enhancer sequence, indicating that both of them were able to act through the JNK signal transduction pathway. The results of the present study showed that the substitution for natural musk does not affect the hepatoprotective activities of Pien Tze Huang. It is also postulated that both formulations protect the liver through regulating signal transduction in the cell.

Protective effect of rutin on paracetamol- and CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents

Rutin, a well-known flavonoid was investigated for its possible protective effect against paracetamol- and CCl(4)-induced hepatic damage. Paracetamol produced 100% mortality at the dose of 1 g/kg in mice while pre-treatment of animals with rutin (20 mg/kg) reduced the death rate to 40%. Oral administration of a sub-lethal dose of paracetamol (640 mg/kg) produced liver damage in rats as manifested by the rise in serum level of transaminases (AST and ALT). Pre-treatment of rats with rutin (20 mg/kg) prevented the paracetamol-induced rise in serum enzymes. The hepatotoxic dose of CCl(4) (1.5 ml/kg; orally) also raised the serum AST and ALT levels. The same dose of rutin (20 mg/kg) was able to prevent the CCl(4)-induced rise in serum enzymes. Rutin also prevented the CCl(4)-induced prolongation in pentobarbital sleeping time confirming its hepatoprotectivity. These results indicate that rutin possesses hepatoprotective activity and the presence of this compound in Artemisia scoparia may explain the folkloric use of the plant in liver damage.