Hepatoprotective effects of almond oil against carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in rats

Hepatoprotective effects of almond shells against carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in albino rats

Liver injury is a prevalent pathological process that can give rise to conditions such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, fibrosis, and even cancer. It has been observed that plants and natural products possess significant protective effects against liver injury. Current study was performed to investigate the efficacy of almonds shell against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in rat model. As almonds shell contain a large variety of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which are largely associated with antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. For this purpose, screening of small-scale library of twenty plant extracts was performed for evaluation of antioxidant potential by DPPH assay. The data revealed that almonds shell extract (ASEE) exhibited potent antioxidant activity. This potent extract was further evaluated for hepatoprotective activity in in vivo rat model on 30 rats, divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. On 29th day all rats were sacrificed and blood serum was collected for further analysis. Liver tissues were also preserved in formalin for histopathology. The results demonstrated that ASEE displayed a protective effect on liver function tests (LFT), renal function tests (RFT), and lipid biomarkers in comparison to the CCl4 group. The histological data also unveiled a substantial safeguarding impact on liver damage, characterized by a reduction in apoptosis, diminished liver hemorrhage, and decreased accumulation of cellular debris. The data indicates that ethanolic extract from almond shells possesses hepatoprotective potential, suggesting its viability as an alternative source for hepatoprotective drug development after pre-clinical research.

Essential Oil from Coriandrum sativum: A review on Its Phytochemistry and Biological Activity

Essential oils are hydrophobic liquids produced as secondary metabolites by specialized secretory tissues in the leaves, seeds, flowers, bark and wood of the plant, and they play an important ecological role in plants. Essential oils have been used in various traditional healing systems due to their pharmaceutical properties, and are reported to be a suitable replacement for chemical and synthetic drugs that come with adverse side effects. Thus, currently, various plant sources for essential oil production have been explored. Coriander essential oil, obtained from the leaf and seed oil of Coriandrum sativum, has been reported to have various biological activities. Apart from its application in food preservation, the oil has many pharmacological properties, including allelopathic properties. The present review discusses the phytochemical composition of the seed and leaf oil of coriander and the variation of the essential oil across various germplasms, accessions, at different growth stages and across various regions. Furthermore, the study explores various extraction and quantification methods for coriander essential oils. The study also provides detailed information on various pharmacological properties of essential oils, such as antimicrobial, anthelmintic, insecticidal, allelopathic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, and hepatoprotective properties, as well as playing a major role in maintaining good digestive health. Coriander essential oil is one of the most promising alternatives in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Phytonutrients of Bitter Apricot Seeds Modulate Human Lipid Profile and LDL Subfractions in Adults with Elevated Cholesterol Levels

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of short-term consumption of bitter apricot seeds phytonutrients on cardiovascular risk factors with a special focus on LDL cholesterol subfractions using the Lipoprint system. A group of 34 adult volunteers (21 female/13 male) consumed 60 mg kg⁻¹ of body weight of bitter apricot seeds daily for 42 days. Subjects were divided into two groups: one with normal cholesterol levels (NTC) and one with elevated total cholesterol levels (ETC). Blood serum levels of total cholesterol (T-C), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) did not change significantly (p > 0.05) in NTC group. However, there were significant decreasing of T-C (p ˂ 0.05) and LDL-C (p < 0.01) in ETC group. The LDL₁, LDL₂, and atherogenic LDL₃₋₇ subfractions progressively decreased after 42 days of apricot seeds consumption in ETC group (p < 0.05). Apricot seeds consumption was associated with a significant increase in the mean LDL particle size especially in ETC group (p ˂ 0.01). The results of the present study support the hypothesis that daily consumption of bitter apricot seeds for 42 days positively modified the lipoprotein profile in the group with elevated total cholesterol.

Structure-based discovery of selective CYP17A1 inhibitors for Castration-resistant prostate cancer treatment

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy found in men and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) is defined by PCa cells that stop responding to hormone therapy. Cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1) plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of androgens in humans. Androgen signaling cascade is a principal survival pathway for PCa cells and androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) remains the key treatment for patients marked with locally advanced and metastatic PCa cells. Available synthetic drugs have been reported for toxicity, drug resistance, and decreasing efficacy. Thus, the design of novel selective inhibitors of CYP17A1 lyase would help circumvent associated side effects and improve pharmacological activities. Therefore, we employed structural bioinformatics techniques via molecular docking; molecular mechanics generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA), molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and pharmacokinetic study to identify putative CYP17A1 lyase inhibitors. The results of the computational investigation showed that the Prunus dulcis compounds exhibited higher binding energy than the clinically approved abiraterone acetate. The stability of the ligand with the highest binding affinity (quercetin-3-o-rutinoside) was observed during MD simulation for 10 ns. Quercetin-3-o-rutinoside was observed to be stable within the active site of CYP17A1Lyase throughout the simulation period. The result of the pharmacokinetic study revealed that these compounds are promising therapeutic agents. Collectively, this study proposed that bioactive compounds from P. dulcis may be potential selective inhibitors of CYP17A1Lyase in CRPC treatments.

Investigation of the effect of Prunus Amygdalus Amara on the expression of some genes of apoptosis and immortality in breast cancer cells (MCF-7)

BACKGROUND

Anti-cancer effects of almond nuts or oil have been approved, but there are a few pieces of research that have evaluated, in detail, almond and other seeds' effects on cancer. Therefore, in the present project, the aim was to explore the regulatory effect of the bitter almond extract (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) on the apoptotic and anti-cancer potency of MCF-7 cells.

OBJECTIVES

In the current experimental research, the Almond effect on MCF7 cells was evaluated by investigating the expression and the balance between Bcl-2, Bax genes to unmark the potential molecular mechanism.

METHODS

For 24 and 48h, the MCF7 cells were treated with the bitter almond extract (187.5-3000 µg/mL). MTT assay was used to assess the viability, and Real-time-PCR was applied to determine the expression of Bax and Bcl-2, facing β-actin.

RESULTS

Our results revealed a significant difference between different extract concentrations on the viability of MCF7 cell lines in 24 and 48 h; cell viability decreased time-dependently (P < 0.05). After 24 and 48h of extract facing MCF7 cells, the evaluated IC50 value was 3000 and 1500 µg/mL, respectively. Based on Real Time-PCR analysis, after 24 and 48 h, the mRNA levels of BCL-2 decreased by the extract, whereas BAX was in the MCF-7 cell line.

CONCLUSION

From the results, it can be concluded that bitter almond extract has anti-cancer properties that may influence the apoptotic pathways by regulating relative gene expression.

Protective effects of Zizyphus oxyphyla on liver and kidney related serum biomarkers in (CCl4) intoxicate rabbits

The study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Zizyphus oxyphyla leaves methanolic (ZOX-LME), on serum liver, kidney and hematology along with other serum parameters in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxicated rabbits. Experimental animals were divided into five groups, six rabbits in each. These were: group NC (normal control), group, TC (toxic control) and group ST i.e. silymarine administered group at dose rate (50) mg/kg body weight (BW). Group ET1 and group ET2 treated with (ZOX-LME) at dose 200 mg/kg BW and 400 mg/kg BW. CCl4 administration caused significant (P> 0.05) impairment in serum liver enzymes, blood factors and other serum indices. Treatment with (ZOX-LME) significantly (P<0.05) reduced and normalized the levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and hematological indices. Also significant (P< 0.05) reduction was observed in creatinine, urea, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and albumin and glucose concentrations. The altered levels of lipid profile and serum electrolytes (Ca, Mg, Cl, Na, K, and P) were significantly (P<0.05) change toward normal levels with (ZOX-LME) feeding. In addition (ZOX-LME) ingestion caused significant improvement in GSH, GST and CAT levels, while reducing the TBARS levels, exhibited antioxidant capacity. Also (ZOX-LME) showed increase inhibition against percent scavenging of 2, 2-diphenile-1-picrylehydrazyle (DPPH) free radical. Significant (P<0.05) normalizing effects were observed with high dose 400 mg/kg BW of (ZOX-LME and were equivalent to silymarine administered groups. The histological study of liver supported the hepatoprotective and renal curative activity of (ZOX-LME).

Protective Effects of Almond Oil on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats via Regulating Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway and Gut Microbiota

Almond oil has been used as a medicine substitution for its numerous health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of almond oil on streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic rats for 4 weeks. The results showed that the administration of almond oil could significantly increase body weight, attenuate abnormally elevated blood glucose, promote insulin secretion, and improve glucose tolerance. Almond oil treatment also suppressed oxidative stress, reduced inflammation reaction, improved liver and kidney function, upregulated the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1, while downregulating the expression of Keap1. Furthermore, almond oil reversed the gut microbiota change by STZ and regulated the gut microbiota associated with glucose metabolism. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes was decreased, while Bacteroidetes was increased by almond oil treatment. More importantly, the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes was significantly increased. At the genus level, administration of almond oil increased the abundances of Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, while decreased the abundances of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and Fusicatenibacter. These results provided evidence for the regulating effect of almond oil on diabetic rats via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and gut microbiota.

Almond oil: A comprehensive review of chemical composition, extraction methods, preservation conditions, potential health benefits, and safety

Almond oil, a rich source of macronutrients and micronutrients, is extracted for food flavorings and the cosmetics industry. In recent years, the need for high-quality and high-quantity production of almond oil for human consumption has been increased. The present review examines the chemical composition of almond oil, storage conditions, and clinical evidence supporting the health benefits of almond oil. From the reviewed studies, it appears that almond oil contains a significant proportion of poly and monounsaturated fatty acids, with oleic acid as the main compound, and an important amount of tocopherol and phytosterol content. Some variations in almond oil composition can be found depending on the kernel's origin and the extraction system used. Some new technologies such as ultrasonic-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, subcritical fluid extraction, and salt-assisted aqueous extraction have emerged as the most promising extraction techniques that allow eco-friendly and effective recovery of almond oil. This safe oil was reported by several clinical studies to have potential roles in cardiovascular risk management, glucose homeostasis, oxidative stress reduction, neuroprotection, and many dermatologic and cosmetic applications. However, the anticarcinogenic and fertility benefits of almond oil have yet to be experimentally verified.

Hepatoprotective, antioxidant and, anti-inflammatory potentials of gallic acid in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in Wistar rats

Gallic acid (GA) is a known phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activities. The objective of this research is to evaluate the preventive role of GA against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis. Thirty-five (35) male Wistar rats were used in this study and were equally distributed into five groups (7 rats each). All groups were acclimatized for a week, Group I (control) rats were administered distilled water only. Group II rats were induced with a single dose of CCl4 (1.25 mL/kg in olive oil (1:1); IP) to cause hepatic damage, while Groups III, IV, and V, rats were intoxicated with CCl4. After 24 h the rats in groups III, IV, and V were given 50 mg/kg of silymarin, 50 mg/kg of GA, and 100 mg/kg of GA daily for one week respectively. Rats were sacrificed and fasting blood was estimated for biochemical analysis while the liver was excised for molecular studies. Results from this study revealed that GA significantly decreases serum hepatic enzymes, down-regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1B), interleukin 6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX 2), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF α), and up-regulate antioxidant gene expression (superoxide dismutase and catalase). The use of gallic acid as natural antioxidants can be promising in ameliorating liver diseases.

Effect of roasting conditions on the formation and kinetics of furan in various nuts

In this study, the effect of roasting on the formation of furan in nuts was investigated. Nut samples were roasted at 150-200 °C for 5-25 min. As the roasting temperature and roasting time increased, the levels of furan in the nuts increased up to 348 ng/g. The concentration of furan was 2.76-224, 0.71-69.0, 1.46-348, 2.68-87.0, and 3.70-94.4 ng/g in almonds, peanuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, and sacha inchi, respectively. In kinetics analysis, the chemical reaction responsible for the production of furan in nuts followed the zero-order kinetic model, with reaction constants of 3.26 × 10^-9 to 16.5 × 10^-9mol/L.h at 200 °C. The apparent activation energy (Ea) was 125.0, 93.6, 86.5, 62.0, and 70.1 kJ/mol for almonds, peanuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, and sacha inchi, respectively. These results can be used to predict or to calculate furan formation in roasted nuts.

Antioxidant and hepato-preventive effect of Citrus aurantium extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and characterisation of its bioactive compounds by HPLC-MS

The objective of this study is to explore the preventive effects of ethyl acetate fraction from Citrus aurantium leaf extract (EACA), associated with its phytochemical content, against the toxic impacts of acute exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in the liver of adult rats. HPLC analysis of ethyl acetate fraction from extract C. aurantium revealed eight compounds. Administration of a single dose of CCl₄ caused hepatoxicity as monitored by an increase in lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and in protein carbonyl level but a decrease in antioxidant markers in the liver tissue. The pre-treatment with EACA; significantly prevented the increased plasma levels of hepatic markers and lipid levels induced by CCl₄ in rats. Furthermore, this fraction ameliorated biochemical and histological parameters as compared to CCl₄-treated group. Our results suggest that C. aurantium contains promising substances to counteract the CCl₄ intoxication and can be efficient in the prevention of hepatotoxicity complications.

Hepatoprotective effects of a traditional Chinese medicine formula against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo and in vitro

Le-Cao-Shi (LCS), a formula of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used as a folk medicine for protection and treatment of liver injury. However, scientific evidences on its hepatoprotective effects have not been investigated. In this study, hepatoprotective activities of LCS water extracts (LCS-W) and ethanol extracts (LCS-E) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage were investigated in vivo and in vitro. In vivo experiments, pretreatment of LCS-W and LCS-E to rats significantly declined the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and markedly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ameliorated the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by CCl₄ treatment. Especially, LCS-WM group significantly prevented the elevation of lipid peroxidation level induced by CCl_4, with the MDA level closed to that of normal group. Histopathological examinations further confirmed that LCS-W and LCS-E could protect the liver cells from CCl₄-induced damage. In addition, immunohistochemically analysis revealed that LCS-W could significantly down-regulated the hepatic protein expression of necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Correspondingly, LCS-W and LCS-E were observed to promote cell viability and decline the levels of ALT, AST, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in vitro. It could be concluded that LCS can exert a protective effect against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity, which might be a potential therapeutic prescription for preventing or treating liver injury. Notably, LCS-W displayed better hepatoprotective activity against CCl₄-induced injury than that of LCS-E, suggesting that LCS extracted by water decoction has good development prospects. Our results contribute towards the validation of the traditional use of LCS in the treatment of liver disorders.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is potentially a good source of important antioxidants

Six different cultivars of onions available in the Kuwaiti market were analyzed for various physic-chemical properties, such as, moisture content, sugar composition, TBARS as malondialdehyde, total phenolic content, as well as trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, these cultivars comprised of US onions white, US onions yellow, Indian onions red, Egyptian onions red, New Zealand onions golden and Saudi onions white. Layers from each onion bulb were manually cut and separated into three nearly equal portions, i.e., outer layers, middle layers and the inner layers. The outermost layers of the bulb showed the highest concentration of antioxidant compounds and a distinct decreasing trend was observed towards the innermost layers in all types of onion samples. The onion samples studied showed variations in carbohydrate contents (glucose, fructose and sucrose), which would have important implications in affecting the flavor (sweetness and pungency) and the suitability of these onions for processing. An important observation is about the distribution of antioxidant compounds with the highest contents in the outmost layers of the onions than in their middle and inner layers. Unfortunately, these outer layers are generally discarded by the consumers thus depriving them of the important health-promoting phytochemicals.

Chemical composition and hepatoprotective effect of essential oil from Myrtus communis L. flowers against CCL4-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats

Myrtus communis L. (Myrtle) is one of the most important aromatic and medicinal species from the Myrtaceae family. It is traditionally used as antiseptic, disinfectant drug and hypoglycemic agent. The aim of our study was to evaluate the protective effect of Myrtus communis essential oil (McEO) on CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rat. Thirty two adult Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 each: (1) a control group; (2) was given a single dose of CCl₄ (1 mL kg⁻¹ in 1% olive oil. ip) on the 14^th day (3) were given during 15 days a daily i.p. injection of McEO at 250 mL kg⁻¹ b.w (4) a group was pretreated with McEO and intoxicated with CCl₄ on the 14^th day. The major components of McEO are α-pinene (35.20%), 1,8-cineole (17%), linalool (6.17%) and limonene (8.94%) which accounted for 67.31% of the whole oil. The antioxidant activity of McEO was evaluated using DPPH scavenging ability, β-carotene bleaching inhibition and hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity. Moreover, the effect of McEO (250 mg kg⁻¹ body weight BW) administrated for 14 consecutive days was evaluated in wistar rat. Administration of a single dose of CCl₄ caused hepatotoxicity as monitored by an increase in lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) as well in protein carbonyl level but decreased in antioxidant markers in the liver tissue. The McEO pre-treatment significantly prevented the increased plasma levels of hepatic markers and lipid levels induced by CCl₄ in rats. Furthermore, this fraction improved biochemical and histological parameters as compared to CCl₄-treated group. Our results suggest that M. communis contains promising substances to counteract the CCl₄ intoxication and which may be efficient in the prevention of hepatotoxicity complications.

Myrtus communis L. (Myrtle) is one of the most important aromatic and medicinal species from the Myrtaceae family.

The Chemical Composition and Metabolic Effects of Attalea phalerata Nut Oil in Hyperlipidemic Rats Induced by a High-Fructose Diet

The fatty acids found in nuts are important regulators of the metabolism. These acids are frequently associated with a reduction of serum cholesterol and body fat and a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In this context, the aim of this study was to identify and quantify the nut oil fatty acids from Attalea phalerata and investigate their metabolic effects in rats with hyperlipidemia induced by a diet rich in fructose. Oleic and lauric acids were the major compounds found in the A. phalerata nut oil (APNO). Hyperlipidemic rats treated with APNO showed a reduction in the total serum cholesterol similar to those treated with simvastatin, an increased body temperature by 1 °C, and a reduction in the body weight gain and mesenteric depot of white adipose tissue compared to the hyperlipidemic controls rats. There was an increase in the relative liver weight of rats treated with APNO, without, however, any change in the serum markers of hepatic toxicity. In addition, there was an increase in the moisture and lipid content of the feces of the rats treated with APNO compared to the controls. Together, these results suggest that APNO has potential use in health foods and nutritional supplements to control hypercholesterolemia and obesity.

Hepatoprotective activity of Macrothelypteris torresiana (Gaudich.) aerial parts against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents and analysis of polyphenolic compounds by HPTLC

Macrothelypteris torresiana is a fern species belonging to family Thelypteridaceae. The present study was conducted to evaluate hepatoprotective potential of ethanol extract from M. torresiana aerial parts (EEMTAP) and detect the polyphenolic compounds present in the extract using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Hepatoprotective potential of EEMTAP were tested at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg, per os (p.o.), on Wistar albino rats. The extract and silymarin treated animal groups showed significant decrease in activities of different biochemical parameters like serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which were elevated by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) intoxication. The levels of total bilirubin and total protein alongwith the liver weight were also restored to normalcy by EEMTAP and silymarin treatment. After CCl₄ administration the level of hepatic antioxidant enzymes such as Glutathione (GSH) and Catalase (CAT) were decreased whereas the level of hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) was elevated. The level of these hepatic antioxidant enzymes were also brought to normalcy by EEMTAP and silymarin treatment. Histological studies supported the biochemical findings and treatment with EEMTAP at doses 300 and 600 mg/kg, p.o. was found to be effective in restoring CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. A simple HPTLC analysis was conducted for the detection of polyphenolic compounds in EEMTAP, and the result revealed the presence of caffeic acid as phenolic acid and quercetin as flavonoid. The proposed HPTLC method is simple, concise and provides a good resolution of caffeic acid and quercetin from other constituents present in EEMTAP.

Fatty acid composition and anticancer activity in colon carcinoma cell lines of Prunus dulcis seed oil

CONTEXT

Almond oil is used in traditional and complementary therapies for its numerous health benefits due to high unsaturated fatty acids content.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the composition and in vitro anticancer activity of almond oil from Northern Cyprus and compared with almond oil from Turkey.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Almond oil from Northern Cyprus was obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction and analyzed by GC-MS. Almond oil of Turkey was provided from Turkish pharmacies. Different concentrations of almond oils were incubated for 24 and 48 h with Colo-320 and Colo-741 cells. Cell growth and cytotoxicity were measured by MTT assays. Anticancer and antiprolifetarive activities of almond oils were investigated by immunocytochemistry using antibodies directed against to BMP-2, β-catenin, Ki-67, LGR-5 and Jagged 1.

RESULTS

Oleic acid (77.8%; 75.3%), linoleic acid (13.5%; 15.8%), palmitic acid (7.4%; 6.3%), were determined as the major compounds of almond oil from Northern Cyprus and Turkey, respectively. In the MTT assay, both almond oils were found to be active against Colo-320 and Colo-741 cells with 1:1 dilution for both 24 h and 48 h. As a result of immunohistochemical staining, while both almond oils exhibited significant antiproliferative and anticancer activity, these activities were more similar in Colo-320 cells which were treated with Northern Cyprus almond oil.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Almond oil from Northern Cyprus and Turkey may have anticancer and antiproliferative effects on colon cancer cells through molecular signalling pathways and, thus, they could be potential novel therapeutic agents.

Evaluation of silybum marinaum efficacy on University of Wisconsin and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solutions latter the damage of the perfused liver

Purpose:

To investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effeicacies of Silybum marianum's (silymarin, S) on University of Wisconsin (UW) and histidinetryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) preservation solutions.

Methods:

Thirty two Wistar albino adult male rats were used. Group 1: UW group, Group 2: UW + Silymarin group(S), Group 3: HTK group, Group 4: HTK + silymarin group (S), respectively. Silymarin was enforced intraperitoneally before the surgery. Biopsies were enforced in 0, 6 and 12.hours to investigate.

Results:

Biochemical parameters examined in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), furthermore superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rats were also evaluated. Detected histopathological changings were substantially declining in the groups that received silymarin, cellular damage was decreased significantly in HTK + Silymarin group, according to other groups. It has been identified as the most effective group was HTK + silymarin group in evaluation of ALT, electron microscopic results, also decreased MDA and elevated in SOD, and CAT activity. Caspase 3 analysis showed a substantial lower apoptosis ratio in the silymarin groups than in the non-performed groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Histidinetryptophan-ketoglutarate+silymarin group provides better hepatoprotection than other groups, by decreasing the hepatic pathologic damage, delayed changes that arise under cold ischemic terms.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of Lawsonia inermis L. leaves against 2-acetylaminofluorene induced hepatic damage in male Wistar rats

Background

Lawsonia inermis (Lythraceae) is an ethnomedicinal plant, traditionally known for curing several ailments such as skin diseases, bacterial infections, jaundice, renal lithiases and inflammation etc. The present work deals with assessment of in vitro antioxidant and in vivo hepatoprotective potential of butanolic fraction (But-LI) of Lawsonia inermis L. leaves.

Methods

Antioxidant activity was evaluated using deoxyribose degradation, lipid peroxidation inhibition and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. In vivo protective potential of But-LI was assessed at 3 doses [100, 200 & 400 mg/kg body weight (bw)] against 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) induced hepatic damage in male Wistar rats.

Results

But-LI effectively scavenged hydroxyl radicals in deoxyribose degradation assay (IC₅₀ 149.12 μg/ml). Fraction also inhibited lipid peroxidation and demonstrated appreciable reducing potential in FRAP assay. Treatment of animals with 2-AAF resulted in increased hepatic parameters such as SGOT (2.22 fold), SGPT (1.72 fold), ALP (5.68 fold) and lipid peroxidation (2.94 fold). Different concentration of But-LI demonstrated pronounced protective effects via decreasing levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP and lipid peroxidation altered by 2-AAF treatment. But-LI administration also restored the normal liver architecture as evident from histopathological studies.

Conclusions

The present experimental findings revealed that phytoconstituents of Lawsonia inermis L. possess potential to effectively protect rats from the 2-AAF induced hepatic damage in vivo possibly by inhibition of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation.

Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) almond oil attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatic injury in rats: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a potent hepatotoxin, capable of generating free radicals that lead to oxidative stress and the inflammation process. Pequi almond oil (PAO) has been reported to possess unsaturated fatty acid and antioxidant compounds related to beneficial effects on oxidation and inflammatory conditions. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of handmade and coldpressed PAO on CCl₄-induced acute liver injury. The possible mechanisms underlying the effect on liver injury enzymes, histopathological parameters, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant and detoxification defense systems, as well as inflammatory parameters, were determined. Rats treated with PAO (3 or 6 mL/kg) for 21 days before CCl₄ induction (3 mL/kg, 70%) showed significantly decreased levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, milder hepatic lesions and higher levels of serum high-density lipoprotein compared to CCl₄ group. Moreover, PAO enhanced antioxidant capacity by increasing hepatic glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzyme activities, as well as reducing circulating concentrations of leptin and inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6, leukotrienes -4 and -5 and the tumor necrosis factor receptor. In summary, PAO, especially cold-pressed oil, attenuated the CCl₄-induced alterations in serum and hepatic tissue in rats due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Hepatoprotective standardized EtOH-water extract from the seeds of Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance

Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance (Oleaceae), its stem barks are known as Cortex fraxini (秦皮 qín pí) listed in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Phytochemical study has indicated that methanol extracts from Qinpi has protective effect on acute liver injury. The present study investigates the hepatoprotective activity of EtOH–water extract from the seeds of F. rhynchophylla Hance against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in mice. The EtOH–water extract significantly alleviated liver damage as indicated by the decreased levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and reduced the pathological tissue injury induced by CCl₄. Quantitative analysis of seven major constituents (1–7) in EtOH–water extract (EWE) was developed by high performance liquid chromatography-diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD). The current research indicates that the EWE from the seeds of F. rhynchophylla Hance decreased liver index, inhibited the increase of serum aminotransferase induced by CCl₄, and decreased hepatic MDA content, SOD and GSH-Px activities. These results suggested that the pretreatment with EWE protected mice against CCl₄-induced liver injuries. Based on the results, the EtOH–water extract from the seeds of F. rhynchophylla Hance is efficacious for prevention and treatment of CCl₄-induced hepatic injury in mice. Secoiridoid and tyrosol glucosides might be the active ingredients responsible for the biological and pharmacological activities of hepatoprotection.

The effects of Juglans regia L. (walnut) extract on certain biochemical paramaters and in the prevention of tissue damage in brain, kidney, and liver in CCl4 applied Wistar rats

Objective: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate protective effects of walnut samples on CCl

Methods: Walnut fruits were extracted and then subjected to vitamin and flavonoid analyses. The extracts obtained were injected intraperitoneally every other day to Wistar male rats given carbon tetrachloride (CCl

Results: Given the results achieved, it was found that the levels of fatty acids increased in the brain and kidney tissues after CCl

Conclusion: Our data indicates that walnut extract has protective effects against LPO formation in the brain, kidney and liver tissues.

Almonds inhibit dyslipidemia and vascular dysfunction in rats through multiple pathways

BACKGROUND

Almonds are reported to be protective against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); however, the possible mode of action has only infrequently been explored.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at investigating the mechanistic basis for the benefits of almonds in atherosclerotic CVDs.

METHODS

Three studies in 3 groups of rats were designed with the use of tyloxapol (study 1), a high-fat diet (HFD; study 2), and white-flour fructose (WFF; study 3). In each of the studies, the first group acted as the control [administered saline in study 1 and fed a normal diet (ND) in studies 2 and 3]; the second and third groups were treated with tyloxapol in study 1, an HFD in study 2, and WFF in study 3. The third group in each study was also fed almonds (3 g/kg) for 4 wk, after which blood was collected for biochemical evaluation. Livers and aortas were isolated from the rats in studies 1 and 2 for enzyme assays and vascular analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

Almond supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) prevented hyperlipidemia in all of the rat models. Supplementation suppressed cholesterol synthesis, leading to a 65% inhibition of tyloxapol-induced activation of hepatic β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. The almond intervention inhibited by 56% the HFD-induced increase in serum concentrations of hepatic aminotransferases. Almonds also protected against an HFD-induced increase in uric acid (0.9-fold), phosphorus (1.1-fold), alkaline phosphatase (4.6-fold), and γ-glutamyltransferase (1-fold), with resultant concentrations that were not different from those in ND-fed rats (P > 0.05). Almonds partially restored the vascular reactivity of isolated aortas and prevented HFD-induced endothelial dysfunction by reducing inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase and promoting NO release. The 70% decrease in HDL cholesterol that was observed in the WFF group was prevented by almond supplementation; serum and LDL cholesterol were also normalized.

CONCLUSIONS

The inhibition of de novo cholesterol synthesis, prevention of hepatic damage, and restoration of vascular function via the protection of endothelium and influence on the NO pathway are some of the mechanisms underlying the medicinal value of almonds in CVDs.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of Veronica ciliata Fisch. extracts against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in mice

Veronica ciliata Fisch. has been traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions due to its curative effects for hepatitis, cholecystitis, rheumatism, and urticaria. The present study was focused on investigating the role of ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of Veronica ciliata Fisch. Furthermore, in vitro antioxidant activity (scavenging of DPPH, ABTS, superoxide, and nitrite radicals; reducing power; β-carotene bleaching) and the hepatoprotective effect of the ethyl acetate extract by means of CCl₄-induced oxidative stress in mice were investigated. The ethyl acetate extract of Veronica ciliata Fisch. displayed more noteworthy in vitro antioxidant activities than the aqueous extract. Moreover, it significantly prevented the increase in serum T-AOC, ALT, AST and ALP level in acute liver damage induced by CCl₄, decreased the extent of MDA formation in liver and elevated the activities of SOD and GSH in liver. This activity was found to be comparable to that of bifendate. Histopathological observation of the liver was also performed to further support the evidence from the biochemical analysis. The results indicated that strong antioxidant activities and a significant protective effect against acute hepatotoxicity induced by CCl₄ of Veronica ciliata Fisch. were concentrated in the ethyl acetate extract. The results suggested that this activity may be due to free radical-scavenging and antioxidant properties.

Antioxidant and prophylactic effects of Delonix elata L., stem bark extracts, and flavonoid isolated quercetin against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Delonix elata L. (Ceasalpinaceae), is widely used by the traditional medical practitioners of Karnataka, India, to cure jaundice, and bronchial and rheumatic problems. The objective of this study was to screen the in vitro antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of the stem bark extracts against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats. Among different stem bark extracts tested, the ethanol extract (DSE) has shown significant in vitro antioxidant property in radicals scavenging, metal chelating, and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. HPLC analysis of the DSE revealed the presence of known antioxidant molecules, namely, gallic acid, ellagic acid, coumaric acid, quercetin, and rutin. Bioassay-guided fractionation of DSE has resulted in the isolation and characterization of quercetin. DSE and quercetin have shown significant prophylactic effects by restoring the liver function markers (AST, ALT, ALP, serum bilirubin, and total protein) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST). These results were proved to be hepatoprotective at par with silymarin and well supported by the histological observations of liver sections with distinct hepatic cells, and mild degree of fatty change and necrosis. The results indicated that the DSE and quercetin were significant for prophylactic activity against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats. This activity could be attributed to the antioxidant constituents in the DSE and hence justified the ethnomedicinal claims.

Phenolic composition, DNA damage protective activity and hepatoprotective effect of free phenolic extract from Sphallerocarpus gracilis seeds

The phenolic composition of the free phenolic extract from Sphallerocarpus gracilis seeds was analyzed by HPLC-MS and predominant compounds were chlorogenic acid, di-caffeoylquinic acid glucoside and luteolin-7-O-glucoside. The free phenolic extract was evaluated for DNA damage protective activity induced by ROO and OH radicals and hepatoprotective effect in vivo and in vitro. Results revealed that the free phenolic extract exhibited significant protective activity against both ROO and OH radical-induced DNA damage and the phenolic extract exerted more potent inhibitory activity against OH radical-induced damage than against that induced by ROO radicals. In vivo experimental results showed that the phenolic extract significantly prevented the increase of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities and hepatic malondialdehyde level caused by CCl4 in rats, and markedly increased hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase levels. Histopathological examinations further confirmed that the phenolic extract could protect the liver from CCl4-induced damage. In vitro experimental results showed that the phenolic extract could reduce BRL hepatocyte apoptosis and damage induced by CCl4. These findings indicate that the S. gracilis seed could be developed as a medicinal herb for the therapy and prevention of hepatic injury.

Characterisation of polysaccharides from green tea of Huangshan Maofeng with antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects

This study was to examine the hepatoprotective effects of polysaccharides from green tea of Huangshan Maofeng (HMTP) against CCl4-induced oxidative damage in mice. HMTP is an acidic heteropolysaccharide with galactose (35.0%, mol.%), arabinose (28.9%) and galacturonic acid (11.3%) being the main monosaccharide components. HMTP (400 and 800 mg/kg·bw) administered orally daily for 14 days before CCl4 administration significantly reduced the impact of CCl4 toxicity on the serum markers of liver damage, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total-cholesterol and triglycerides. This method of HMTP administration also markedly restrained hepatic lipid peroxidation formation of malondialdehyde and 15-F2t isoprostanes, and elevated the antioxidant levels of hepatic glutathione and superoxide dismutase. These results together with liver histopathology indicated that HMTP exhibited hepatoprotection against CCl4-induced injury, which was found to be comparable to that of biphenyldicarboxylate. The hepatoprotective effects of HMTP may be due to both the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the increase of antioxidant activity.

Protective effects of Keemun black tea polysaccharides on acute carbon tetrachloride-caused oxidative hepatotoxicity in mice

This study was designed to investigate chemical characterization of the water-soluble polysaccharides extracted from Keemun black tea (KBTP), and their antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced oxidative damage in mice. HPLC analysis revealed that KBTP is the typical acidic heteropolysaccharides and consisted of nine monosaccharides. Furthermore, KBTP showed highly ferric-reducing antioxidant power and scavenging effects against DPPH, OH and O2(-) in vitro. Administration of KBTP (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg bw) in mice ahead of CCl4 injection could observably antagonize the CCl4-induced increases in serum ALT, AST, TG and TC, and the hepatic MDA and 8-iso-PGF2a levels, respectively. Mice with KBTP pretreatment displayed a better profile of hepatosomatic index and the improved GSH and SOD activities in comparison with CCl4-intoxicated mice. These biochemical results were further supported with liver histopathological assessment, revealing that KBTP has an observable prevention of liver damage induced by CCl4 in mice.

Studies on the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of polysaccharides from Talinum triangulare

ETHNOPHAMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCY: The whole plant of Talinum triangulare (Family: Portulacaceae) is used in variety of diseases including hepatic ailments in Africa and Taiwan of China.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of polysaccharides from T. triangulare (TTP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The TTP was extracted using boiling water, and removed protein by Sevag method. 40%, 60% and 80% ethanol precipitating TTP (40%, 60%, 80% TTP) were gained by the successive addition of absolute ethanol. The antioxidant activities of 40%, 60%, 80% and crude TTP were evaluated using three different models in vitro, including reducing power, hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion. To investigate the hepatoprotective potential, mice were treated with crude polysaccharides (50, 100 and 200mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 days. Liver injures were induced by CCl(4) (0.1% in arachis oil, 10mg/kg, i.v.) 1h after the drug administration on day 7. Mice were sacrificed at 24h after the CCl(4) injection. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum, and glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissues were measured. Histopathological examinations were carried out to supplement the biochemical results.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

In vitro assays, TTP showed remarkably different degrees of antioxidant activities in dose-dependent manners. The crude TTP demonstrated a relatively strong antioxidant activity, while the 40% TTP showed the strongest antioxidant activity, and the 60% TTP had the weakest antioxidant ability. In vivo assay, pretreatment with TTP had significantly decreased the levels of AST, ALT and MDA against CCl(4) injures, and restored the activities of defense antioxidant substances SOD and GSH towards normalization. These results supported the effect of T. triangulare in fork use with scientific evidence.