Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of Solanum fastigiatum (false "Jurubeba") against paracetamol-induced liver damage in mice

Medicinal herbs and their metabolites with biological potential to protect and combat liver toxicity and its disorders: A review

The liver is an essential organ that helps the body with immunity, metabolism, and detoxification, among other functions. Worldwide, liver illnesses are a leading cause of mortality and disability. There are few effective treatment choices, but they frequently have unfavorable side effects. Investigating the potential of medicinal plants and their bioactive phytoconstituents in the prevention and treatment of liver disorders has gained more attention in recent years. An assessment of the hepatoprotective potential of medicinal plants and their bioactive secondary metabolites is the goal of this thorough review paper. To determine their hepatoprotective activity, these plants were tested against liver toxicity artificially induced in rats, mice and rabbits by chemical agents such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), paracetamol (PCM), thioacetamide (TAA), N-nitrosodiethylamine, d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide, antitubercular medicines (rifampin, isoniazid) and alcohol. To find pertinent research publications published between 1989 and 2022, a comprehensive search of electronic bibliographic databases (including Web of Science, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and others) was carried out. The investigation comprised 203 plant species from 81 families in total. A thorough discussion was mentioned regarding the hepatoprotective qualities of plants belonging to several families, such as Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. The plant groups Asteraceae and Fabaceae were the most frequently shown to have hepatoprotective properties. The phytochemical constituents namely flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids exhibited the highest frequency of hepatoprotective action. Also, some possible mechanism of action of some active constituents from medicinal plants was discussed in brief which were found in some studies. In summary, the information on medicinal plants and their potentially hepatoprotective bioactive phytoconstituents has been consolidated in this review which emphasizes the importance of further research to explore the efficacy and safety of these natural remedies for various liver ailments.

In vitro anti-inflammatory activity and ameliorative effects on gastric ulcers of Licania rigida benth seed extract

Licania rigida Benth., a Brazilian endemic plant, has been traditionally used for treating inflammation and stomach pain. This work investigates the anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activities of the ethanolic extract from L. rigida seeds (EELr) by in vitro and in vivo methods. The phytochemical profile was determined and the in vitro antioxidant activity was investigated by radical scavenging and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances methods. The ovalbumin denaturation method was used with sodium diclofenac as standard for the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity assessment. Acetylsalicylic acid was used to induce gastric ulcers in male mice and then to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic gastroprotective effect of EELr, using omeprazole as the reference drug. The extract exhibited relevant amount of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, in particular, demonstrating in vitro antioxidant capacity. EELr was able to inhibit almost 60% of ovalbumin denaturation at a concentration considered low. It also prevented the decrease of biochemical markers for oxidative stress such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the stomach and SOD and catalase (CAT) in the liver. EELr also significantly decreased the number of lesions as well as reduced the ulcerated area when used as therapy. The observed effect may be due to its phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and tannins, as previously reported. EELr is a potential source of compounds with anti-inflammatory activity, protects the liver from oxidative damage and improves healing of aspirin-induced ulcers. This work contributes to the knowledge of L. rigida species.

Natural-product-inspired bioactive alkaloids agglomerated with potential antioxidant activity: Recent advancements on structure-activity relationship studies and future perspectives

Alkaloids derived from natural sources have been shown to have substantial antioxidant activity, suggesting that these natural-product-inspired bioactive entities may have major beneficial influence on human health and food processing sector. The primary process intricates in the etiology of several disorders such as neurodegenerative, inflammatory cardiovascular, and other chronic diseases appear to be either oxidative injury or a cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free-radicals. The alkaloid class of bio-heterocycles have been divided into numerous groups based on their biosynthetic precursor and heterocyclic ring systems i.e., piperidine, imidazole, purine, pyrrolizidine, indole, quinolozidine, isoquinoline, tropane, and pyrrolidine alkaloids. Distinct biological properties have been attributed to various compounds belonging to this chemical groups, including antirheumatic, cardiovascular, antispasmodic, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antinociceptive etc. For many years, natural products and their analogs have been recognized as a possible source of medicinal agents. Recently, research has been concentrated on the synthesis, separation/purification, and identification of new alkaloids derived from a variety of natural sources. This book chapter aims to summarize on the latest developments on the current knowledge on the relationship between the structural features of promising class of bioactive alkaloids with their antioxidant activities.

Acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity: An overview of the promising protective effects of natural products and herbal formulations

BACKGROUND

The liver plays an important role in regulating the metabolic processes and is the most frequently targeted organ by toxic chemicals. Acetaminophen (APAP) is a well-known anti-allergic, anti-pyretic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which upon overdose leads to hepatotoxicity, the major adverse event of this over-the-counter drug.

PURPOSE

APAP overdose induced acute liver injury is the second most common cause that often requires liver transplantation worldwide, for which N-acetyl cysteine is the only synthetic drug clinically approved as an antidote. So, it was felt that there is a need for the novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of liver diseases with less adverse effects. This review provides detailed analysis of the different plant extracts; phytochemicals and herbal formulations for the amelioration of APAP-induced liver injury.

METHOD

The data was collected using different online resources including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Springer, and Web of Science using keywords given below.

RESULTS

Over the past decades various reports have revealed that plant-based approaches may be a better treatment choice for the APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in pre-clinical experimental conditions. Moreover, herbal compounds provide several advantages over the synthetic drugs with fewer side effects, easy availability and less cost for the treatment of life-threatening diseases.

CONCLUSION

The current review summarizes the hepatoprotective effects and therapeutic mechanisms of various plant extracts, active phytoconstituents and herbal formulations with potential application against APAP induced hepatotoxicity as the numbers of hepatoprotective natural products are more without clinical relativity. Further, pre-clinical pharmacological research will contribute to the designing of natural products as medicines with encouraging prospects for clinical application.

A Critical Appraisal of the Most Recent Investigations on the Hepatoprotective Action of Brazilian Plants

Conventional treatments for liver diseases are often burdened by side effects caused by chemicals. For minimizing this problem, the search for medicines based on natural products has increased. The objective of this review was to collect data on the potential hepatoprotective activity of plants of the Brazilian native flora. Special attention was given to the modes of extraction, activity indicators, and identification of the active compounds. The databases were Science direct, Pubmed, and Google Academic. Inclusion criteria were: (a) plants native to Brazil; (b) studies carried out during the last 15 years; (c) high-quality research. A fair number of communications met these criteria. Various parts of plants can be used, e.g., fruit peels, seeds, stem barks, and leaves. An outstanding characteristic of the active extracts is that they were mostly obtained from plant parts with low commercial potential, i.e., by-products or bio-residues. The hepatoprotective activities are exerted by constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamin C, phytosterols, and fructose poly- and oligosaccharides. Several Brazilian plants present excellent perspectives for the obtainment of hepatoprotective formulations. Very important is the economical perspective for the rural producers which may eventually increase their revenue by selling increasingly valued raw materials which otherwise would be wasted.

Embryonic Thermal Manipulation and in ovo Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Supplementation Regulating the Chick Weight and Stress-Related Genes at Hatch

Chickens are exposed to numerous types of stress from hatching to shipping, influencing poultry production. Embryonic manipulation may develop resistance against several stressors. This study investigates the effects of thermoneutral temperature (T0; 37.8°C) with no injection (N0) (T0N0), T0 with 0.6 ml of 10% in ovo gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplementation (N1) at 17.5th embryonic day (ED) (T0N1), thermal manipulation (T1) at 39.6°C from the 10th to 18th ED (6 h/day) with N0 (T1N0), and T1 with N1 (T1N1) on hatchability parameters and hepatic expression of stress-related genes in day-old Arbor Acres chicks. The parameters determined were hatchability, body weight (BW), organ weight, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant-related gene expression. Percent hatchability was calculated on a fertile egg basis. Growth performance was analyzed using each chick as an experimental unit. Eight birds per group were used for organ weight. Two-way ANOVA was used taking temperature and GABA as the main effect for growth performance and gene expression studies. Analysis was performed using an IBM SPSS statistics software package 25.0 (IBM software, Chicago, IL, USA). Hatchability was similar in all the groups and was slightly lower in the T1N1. Higher BW was recorded in both T1 and N1. Intestinal weight and MDA were higher in T0N1 against T0N0 and T1N1, respectively. The expression of HSP70, HSP90, NOX1, and NOX4 genes was higher and SOD and CAT genes were lower in the T1 group. The present results show that T1 and N1 independently improve the BW of broiler chicks at hatch, but T1 strongly regulates stress-related gene expression and suggests that both T1 and N1 during incubation can improve performance and alleviate stress after hatch.

Determination of in vivo biological activities of Dodonaea viscosa flowers against CCL4 toxicity in albino mice with bioactive compound detection

Dodonaea viscosa L.Jacq. is an evergreen shrub and native to Asia, Africa, and Australia. It has been used as traditional medicine in different countries. The foremost objective of the current study was to discover the protective potential of D. viscosa flowers Methanol (DVM) and Chloroform (DVC) extracts against CCL₄ induced toxicity in mice. This study was intended to identify phytochemicals through HPLC, GCMS, and FT-IR, as well as in vitro antioxidant and in vitro anti-tuberculosis activity. Our comprehensive findings indicate that Dodonaea viscosa is valuable and widespread herbal medicine through therapeutic potentials for curing various ailments. Dodonaeaviscosa flowersare found to have a protective effect against oxidative stress produced by CCL₄ in the liver, kidney, and spleen. The intake of DV extracts restored the level of hepatic enzymes (ALP, AST ALT, and Direct bilirubin), hematological parameters (RBCs, WBCs, and Platelets), total protein, and liver antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT) after a decline in levels by CCL₄. Histopathological results discovered the defensive effect of 300 mg/kg of DVM extract against CCL₄ induced damage, thus having an improved protective effect compared to DVC and control. As a result of metabolite screening, the total flavonoids and total phenolics were present in abundance. A phytochemical investigation by HPLC identified gallic acid, epicatechin, cumeric acid, flavonoids, while GCMS estimated oleic acid (Octadecenoic acid) (C₁₈H₃₄O₂), Stearic acid (C₁₈H₃₆O₂), Ricinoleic acid (C₁₈H₃₄O₃), and Cedrol (C₁₅H₂₆O). DVM extract exhibited resistance against in vitro Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. So this study proposed that the protective effect of DV against oxidative damage induced in the liver, kidney, and spleen can be correlated to the antioxidant compounds.

Chemical composition, nutritional properties, and antioxidant activity of Licania tomentosa (Benth.) fruit

Licania tomentosa is a Brazilian plant species that produces edible fruits, yet there is little information available concerning their nutritional and/or bioactive composition. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and polyphenol composition of L. tomentosa fruits (pulp and seeds) and measure antioxidant activity in ethanolic extracts.The pulp and seeds were excellent sources of fiber (25.62%-41.70%) as well as minerals and vitamins. L. tomentosa contained no lectins or protease inhibitors (chymotrysin and trypsin) and 12 polyphenol compounds were identified in the seed extracts with a predominance of flavonoids. The seeds also presented antioxidant activities using the DPPH (SC₅₀10.30-15.87 μg/mL), TBARS (IC₅₀ 18.46-20.84 μg/mL), and FRAP (RC₅₀ 0.203-0.309 μg/mL) assays. Due to its nutrient and antioxidant content, L. tomentosa may be used for food applications.

Chemical profile, liver protective effects and analgesic properties of a Solanum paniculatum leaf extract

BACKGROUND/AIM

Solanum paniculatum L. (Solanaceae) is a plant native to South America where it is used in traditional medicine for different therapeutic indications. This study evaluated the chemical composition and the hepatoprotective and analgesic activities of S. paniculatum leaf extracts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The chemical profile of an ethyl acetate partition (SPOE) of a S. paniculatum leaf infusion (SPAE) was analysed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution electrospray mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESIMS). Liver protective effects of SPAE (600 and 1200 mg/kg bw, po), or SPOE (300 mg/kg bw, po) were evaluated in a C57BL/6 mouse model of acetaminophen (AP, 600 mg/kg bw, ip) hepatotoxicity by measuring alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) aminotransferase activity in the serum, and reduced glutathione (GSH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARs) levels in the hepatic tissue.

RESULTS

HPLC-ESIMS analysis of the SPOE fraction tentatively identified 35 flavonoids, esters of hydroxycinnamic acid and isomers of chlorogenic acid. SPAE (600 and 1200 mg/kg bw) and SPOE (300 mg/kg bw) antagonized the rise in ALT and AST, and the depletion of GSH, and elevation of TBARs levels in the liver caused by AP. The liver protective effects of SPOE (300 mg/kg bw) against AP-induced liver toxicity mimicked those of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC 300 or 600 mg/kg bw ip). The mouse writhing assay showed that SPOE (300 mg/kg bw po) has anti-nociceptive effects comparable to those of AP (180 mg/kg bw po).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that an extract of S. paniculatum leaves (SPOE), rich in phenolic compounds, is a promising herbal drug to prevent and treat AP poisoning and presents analgesic properties as well.

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effects of Methanolic Extracts of Zilla spinosa and Hammada elegans Against Carbon Tetrachlorideinduced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The detoxification, metabolism, and excretion of various endogenous and exogenous materials occur mainly in the liver. Liver diseases are a global concern, and classified as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatosis. The development of safe hepatoprotective agents remains an unmet need. Therefore, we investigated the antioxidant effects of methanolic and n-hexane fractions of Zilla spinosa (ZSM and ZSH, respectively) and Hammada elegans (HEM and HEH, respectively) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver toxicity in rats. Antioxidant activity was studied by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The rats were divided into 11 groups (n=6)–group, 1 (control), group 2 (CCl4 only), group 3 (CCl4+silymarin 10 mg/kg), group 4 (CCl4+HEM 250 mg/kg), group 5 (CC14+HEM 500 mg/kg), group 6 (CCl4+HEH 250 mg/kg), group, 7 (CCl4+HEH 500 mg/kg), group, 8 (CCl4+ZSM 250 mg/kg), group 9 (CCl4+ZSM 500 mg/kg), group 10 (CCl4+ZSH 250 mg/kg), and group 11 (CCl4+ZSH 500 mg/kg). Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, and total bilirubin were measured. The extent of hepatic injury was histopathologically assessed. Treatment with ZSM and ZSH at 250 and 500 mg/kg did not significantly affect biochemical results compared with the CCl4 only group. However, treatment with both HEM and HEH at 250 and 500 mg/kg provided significant (p<0.001) results compared with the CCl4 only group. These results were consistent with histological findings. HEM and HEH at 250 μg/mL significantly inhibited DPPH radical formation by 38.E6 and 35.65%, rerpectively. However antioxidant effects of ZSM and ZSH were insignificant.

Polyphenol Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Seeds from Two Underexploited Wild Licania Species: L. rigida and L. tomentosa

Studies have shown the benefit of antioxidants in the prevention or treatment of human diseases and promoted a growing interest in new sources of plant antioxidants for pharmacological use. This study aimed to add value to two underexploited wild plant species (Licania rigida) and L. tomentosa) from Brazilian flora. Thus, the phenolic compounds profile of their seed ethanol extract and derived fractions were elucidated by HPLC, the antioxidant capacity was assessed by in vitro chemical tests and the cytotoxicity determined using the human carcinoma cell lines MCF-7 and Caco-2. Eleven phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts of each species. The extracts and fractions showed excellent antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay (SC₅₀, ranging from 9.15 to 248.8 µg/mL). The aqueous fraction of L. rigida seeds was most effective in preventing lipid peroxidation under basal conditions (IC₅₀ 60.80 µg/mL) whereas, in the presence of stress inducer, the methanolic fraction of L. tomentosa performed best (IC₅₀ 8.55 µg/mL). None of the samples showed iron chelating capacity. Ethanolic seed extracts of both species did not reveal any cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and Caco-2 cells. Both plant species showed a promising phenolic profile with potent antioxidant capacity and deserve attention to be sustainably explored.

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Potentiality of Randia dumetorum Lam. Leaf and Bark via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Cytokines

Randia dumetorum Lam. (RD) (Rubiaceae) is traditionally used by some tribes of Assam and Manipur of North East India for the treatment of liver ailments. In this context, to scientifically validate this indigenous traditional knowledge, we have evaluated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of RD leaf and bark. The methanol extracts of RD leaf and bark were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity which exhibited good antioxidant activity in terms of reducing power assay, total antioxidant assay and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were found to be 112 ± 3.24 mg and 138 ± 2.46 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract and 2.6 ± 0.26 mg and 3.34 ± 0.31 mg rutin equivalents/g extract respectively for RD leaf and bark methanol extracts. The in vivo hepato protective activity of the RD leaf and bark extract was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic damage in male wistar rats. CCl4 administration induced hepatic damage in rats resulted in increased levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, albumin, bilirubin, TNF-α, IL-1β and decreased levels of total protein and antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase. RD leaf and bark methanol extracts pre-treatment exhibited protection against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity by reversing all the abnormal parameters to significant levels. Histopathological results revealed that RD leaf and bark extracts at 400 mg/kg protects the liver from damage induced by CCl4. The results of this study scientifically validate the traditional use of RD leaf and bark for the treatment of liver ailments.

Pigment Epithelium Derived Factor Peptide Protects Murine Hepatocytes from Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Injury

Fibrogenesis is induced by repeated injury to the liver and reactive regeneration and leads eventually to liver cirrhosis. Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) has been shown to prevent liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). A 44 amino acid domain of PEDF (44-mer) was found to have a protective effect against various insults to several cell types. In this study, we investigated the capability of synthetic 44-mer to protect against liver injury in mice and in primary cultured hepatocytes. Acute liver injury, induced by CCl₄, was evident from histological changes, such as cell necrosis, inflammation and apoptosis, and a concomitant reduction of glutathione (GSH) and GSH redox enzyme activities in the liver. Intraperitoneal injection of the 44-mer into CCl₄-treated mice abolished the induction of AST and ALT and markedly reduced histological signs of liver injury. The 44-mer treatment can reduce hepatic oxidative stress as evident from lower levels of lipid hydroperoxide, and higher levels of GSH. CCl₄ caused a reduction of Bcl-xL, PEDF and PPARγ, which was markedly restored by the 44-mer treatment. Consequently, the 44-mer suppressed liver fibrosis induced by repeated CCl₄ injury. Furthermore, our observations in primary culture of rat hepatocytes showed that PEDF and the 44-mer protected primary rat hepatocytes against apoptosis induced by serum deprivation and TGF-β1. PEDF/44-mer induced cell protective STAT3 phosphorylation. Pharmacological STAT3 inhibition prevented the antiapoptotic action of PEDF/44-mer. Among several PEDF receptor candidates that may be responsible for hepatocyte protection, we demonstrated that PNPLA2 was essential for PEDF/44-mer-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation and antiapoptotic activity by using siRNA to selectively knockdown PNPLA2. In conclusion, the PEDF 44-mer protects hepatocytes from single and repeated CCl₄ injury. This protective effect may stem from strengthening the counter oxidative stress capacity and induction of hepatoprotective factors.

Safety assessment and behavioral effects of Solanum guaraniticum leaf extract in rats

ABSTRACT Solanum guaraniticum is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat gastric and liver diseases. However, there is no documented evidence corroborating its safety. The present study evaluated the potential toxicity of S. guaraniticum leaf extract after acute administration in rats. Single doses of the extract (1.250, 2.500, and 5.000 mg/kg) were administered by gavage, and the rats were then monitored for 48 h and/or 14 days. Mortality, acute signs of toxicity, and general activity in the open field test were assessed as well as hematological and biochemical parameters, enzymatic activity (δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase and acetylcholinesterase), and oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation level, non-protein thiol content, tissue catalase activity, and serum ferrous reducing power). Phytochemical analysis was also performed by HPLC. The results showed that extract administration produced no deaths (LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg), and no significant adverse effects regarding food consumption, body weight gain, gross pathology, or other parameters. However, the open field tests showed a decrease in spontaneous activity (crossing and rearing) mainly at 48 h after treatment. The results suggest that S. guaraniticum extract is not acutely toxic, but causes alterations in central nervous system activity.

Delta-ALA-D inhibitory potential and protective action of Syzygium jambos and Solanum guaraniticum leaf extracts on oxidatively stressed erythrocytes

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the leaf extracts of Syzygium jambos and Solanum guaraniticum on the δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity, their antioxidant activity and potential protective action on oxidatively stressed erythrocytes, in order to demonstrate the safety or toxicity of the plant.

METHODS

In erythrocyte samples, the effect of both extracts on δ-ALA-D activity, H2O2-induced oxidative stress, and 2,2'azobis (2-amidinopropane) (AAPH)-induced hemolysis was evaluated, as well as some antioxidant mechanisms.

RESULTS

Both extracts inhibited δ-ALA-D activity (S. guaraniticum > S. jambos), and an involvement of the zinc ion of the δ-ALA-D structure on the inhibition of enzyme activity was verified. S. jambos leaf extract showed marked efficiency in countering H2O2-induced lipid peroxidation and in maintaining cellular integrity against AAPH-induced hemolysis. Furthermore, S. jambos exhibited greater H2O2 scavenging activity and stronger reduction power than S. guaraniticum.

DISCUSSION

Both extracts bear potent antioxidant property as an important beneficial effect. However, the inhibition of δ-ALA-D activity suggests a possible harmful effect of these vegetal preparations and indicates the need for further investigation regarding their toxicological properties. All together, these data represent a significant contribution to the knowledge of these plants, both to the scientific community and to the folk medicine.

Antioxidant activities of the oligosaccharides from the roots, flowers and leaves of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer

The chemical characterization and antioxidant activities of water-soluble ginseng oligosaccharides from roots (WGOS-R), flowers (WGOS-F) and leaves (WGOS-L) of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer obtained by hot water extraction were investigated. The sugar content of WGOS-R, WGOS-F and WGOS-L were 95.87%, 87.07% and 83.09%, respectively. The ginsenosides and total phenols content decreased in the order of WGOS-L>WGOS-F>WGOS-R. WGOS-R comprised only Glc, WGOS-F and WGOS-L comprised Glucose (Glc) and Rhamnose (Rha) in a molar ratio of 6.0:1.0 and 7.0:1.0, respectively. In vitro antioxidant tests showed that WGOS-R exhibited higher antioxidant activity than WGOS-F and WGOS-L. In vivo antioxidant tests showed that WGOS-R significantly enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capability (T-AOC) in the serum and liver and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the serum and liver.

Hepatoprotective effect of Caesalpinia gilliesii and Cajanus cajan proteins against acetoaminophen overdose-induced hepatic damage

This study aims to evaluate two proteins derived from the seeds of the plants Cajanus cajan (Leguminosae) and Caesalpinia gilliesii (Leguminosae) for their abilities to ameliorate the toxic effects of chronic doses of acetoaminphen (APAP) through the determination of certain biochemical parameters including liver marker enzymes: alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin. Also, total protein content and hepatic marker enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase were studied. Moreover, liver antioxidants, glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide, and lipid peroxides were determined in this study. Hepatic adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), adenylate energy charge (ATP, adenosine diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate, and inorganic phosphate), and phosphate potential, serum interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and myeloperoxidase were also examined in the present study. On the other hand, histopathological examination of intoxicated and liver treated with both proteins was taken into consideration. The present results show disturbances in all biochemical parameters and hepatic toxicity signs including mild vascular congestion, moderate inflammatory changes with moderate congested sinusoids, moderate nuclear changes (pyknosis), moderate centrilobular necrosis, fatty changes, nuclear pyknosis vascular congestion, and change in fatty centrilobular necrosis liver. Improvement in all biochemical parameters studied was noticed as a result of treatment intoxicated liver with C. gilliesii and C. cajan proteins either paracetamol with or post paracetamol treatment. These results were documented by the amelioration signs in rat's hepatic architecture. Thus, both plant protein extracts can upregulate and counteract the inflammatory process, minimize damage of the liver, delay disease progression, and reduce its complications.

Syzygium jambos and Solanum guaraniticum show similar antioxidant properties but induce different enzymatic activities in the brain of rats

Syzygium jambos and Solanum guaraniticum are both employed in Brazil as medicinal plants, even though their potential toxicity is not well established and they are frequently misused. The aim of this study was investigate the effect of the aqueous leaf extracts of both plants on δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities and the antioxidant action against oxidative damage induced by sodium nitroprusside in rats, using in vitro assays. In addition, the presence of gallic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids, as well as rutin, quercetin and kaempferol as bioactive compounds in the extracts was identified by HPLC and their levels quantified. The antioxidant activities of both extracts were assessed by their capabilities to scavenge nitric oxide and to inhibit lipid peroxidation. Only Syzygium jambos presented thiol-peroxidase-like activity. Although neither extract affected the AChE activity, the aqueous extract of Solanum guaraniticum inhibited brain δ-ALA-D activity, suggesting a possible impairment effect on the central nervous system. Our results showed that both extracts exhibited efficient free radical scavenger activity and are an interesting source of bioactive compounds, justifying their use in folk medicine, although Solanum guaraniticum extract could have neurotoxicity properties and we therefore suggest that its use should be restricted to ensure the health of the population.

In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract from Meconopsis integrifolia (Maxim.) Franch

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Meconopsis integrifolia (Maxim.) Franch is a high mountain endemic species used as a traditional Tibetan and Mongolian herb to treat hepatitis, pneumonia, and edema. This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Meconopsis integrifolia ethanolic extract (MIE) in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vitro antioxidant property of MIE was investigated by employing various established systems. Rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury were used to assess the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of MIE in vivo. The level or activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TB) in the blood serum and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) in the liver and kidney of the rats were assayed using standard procedures.

RESULTS

MIE exhibited strong antioxidant ability in vitro. In the rats with CCl4-induced liver injury, the groups treated with MIE and silymarin showed significantly lower levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and TB. MIE demonstrated good antioxidant activities in both the liver and kidney of the rats in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

MIE exhibits excellent hepatoprotective effects and antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo, supporting the traditional use of Meconopsis integrifolia in the treatment of hepatitis.

Protective effects of steroidal alkaloids isolated from Solanum paniculatum L. against mitomycin cytotoxic and genotoxic actions

Solanum paniculatum L. is a plant species widespread throughout tropical America, especially in the Brazilian Cerrado region. It is used in Brazil for culinary purposes and in folk medicine to treat liver and gastric dysfunctions, as well as hangovers. Previous studies with S. paniculatum ethanolic leaf extract or ethanolic fruit extract demonstrated that they have no genotoxic activity neither in mice nor in bacterial strains, although their cytotoxicity and antigenotoxicity were demonstrated in higher doses. In order to assess the possible compounds responsible for the activities observed, we fractionated the ethanolic fruit extract of S. paniculatum, characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectra, and evaluated two fractions containing steroidal alkaloids against mitomycin C (MMC) using the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test. Swiss mice were orally treated with different concentrations (25, 50, or 100 mg.kg−1) of each fraction simultaneously with a single intraperitonial dose of MMC (4 mg.kg−1). Antigenotoxicity was evaluated by using the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE), whereas anticytotoxicity was assessed by the polychromatic and normochromatic erythrocytes ratio (PCE/NCE). Our results demonstrated that steroidal alkaloids isolated from S. paniculatum strongly protected cells against MMC aneugenic and/or clastogenic activities as well as modulated MMC cytotoxic action.

Antioxidant Activity and phytochemical composition of the leaves of Solanum guaraniticum A. St.-Hil

Solanum guaraniticum is a shrub belonging to the Solanaceae family popularly known in Brazil as jurubeba or false-jurubeba. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of crude extract and chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions from its leaves, verifying the ability to remove reactive species and identify and quantify phenolic compounds. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest amount of total polyphenols (546.57 ± 2.35 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and the lowest IC(50) (9.11 ± 0.75 µg/mL) by the DPPH method. Furthermore, the chloroform fraction presented the highest content of flavonoids (75.73 ± 0.34 mg rutin equivalents/g), tannins (56.03 ± 0.68 mg catechin equivalents/g) and alkaloids (10.79 ± 0.06 mg/g). This fraction was effective in the scavenging of reactive species by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay, in addition to completely reducing protein carbonyl content and reducing lipid peroxidation at basal levels even at low concentrations. Chlorogenic, caffeic and rosmarinic acids were identified and quantified by HPLC/DAD. These results show that S. guaraniticum is rich in phenolic compounds and has potential as an antioxidant.

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract from Meconopsis quintuplinervia

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Meconopsis quintuplinervia, a medicinal herb endemic to the Tibetan region, is used to treat hepatitis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the ethanolic extract of this herb using different assays.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antioxidant capacity of Meconopsis quintuplinervia was investigated using various established in vitro systems. An in vivo study of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced antioxidant activity in mice was also conducted by examining the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH).

RESULTS

The extract showed strong in vitro antioxidant ability. In the in vivo study, CCl(4)-induced oxidative stress caused significant decreases in the SOD, CAT, and GSH levels and a significant increase in the MDA level, most of which were significantly reversed (except for SOD in the liver.) by treatment with the extract and standard Vitamin E.

CONCLUSION

This study clearly indicates that the ethanolic extract of Meconopsis quintuplinervia is a valuable source of natural antioxidants. These findings provide scientific support for the traditional use of this herb as a Tibetan medicine for liver diseases.

Hepatoprotective potential of Clitoria ternatea leaf extract against paracetamol induced damage in mice

Background and Aim: Clitoria ternatea, a medicinal herb native to tropical equatorial Asia, is commonly used in folk medicine to treat various diseases. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of C. ternatea against experimentally induced liver injury. Methods: The antioxidant property of methanolic extract (ME) of C. ternatea leaf was investigated by employing an established in vitro antioxidant assay. The hepatoprotective effect against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in mice of ME of C. ternatea leaf was also studied. Activity was measured by monitoring the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and billirubin along with histopathological analysis. Results: The amount of total phenolics and flavonoids were estimated to be 358.99 ± 6.21 mg/g gallic acid equivalent and 123.75 ± 2.84 mg/g catechin equivalent, respectively. The antioxidant activity of C. ternatea leaf extract was 67.85% at a concentration of 1 mg/mL and was also concentration dependant, with an IC₅₀ value of 420.00 µg/mL. The results of the paracetamol-induced liver toxicity experiments showed that mice treated with the ME of C. ternatea leaf (200 mg/kg) showed a significant decrease in ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels, which were all elevated in the paracetamol group (p < 0.01). C. ternatea leaf extract therapy also protective effects against histopathological alterations. Histological studies supported the biochemical findings and a maximum improvement in the histoarchitecture was seen. Conclusions: The current study confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of C. ternatea leaf extract against the model hepatotoxicant paracetamol. The hepatoprotective action is likely related to its potent antioxidative activity.

6-gingerol, an active ingredient of ginger, protects acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the hepatoprotective efficacy of 6-gingerol against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

METHODS

Mice were injected with a single dose of acetaminophen (900 mg/kg) to induce hepatotoxicity, while 6-gingerol (30 mg/kg) or the standard drug silymarin (25 mg/kg) was given 30 min after the acetaminophen administration. The mice were sacrificed 4 h after acetaminophen injection to determine the activities of liver marker enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin in serum, and lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione transferase and glutathione) in liver homogenate.

RESULTS

The treatment of 6-gingerol and silymarin to acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity showed significant hepatoprotective effect by lowering the hepatic marker enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) and total bilirubin in serum (P<0.05). In addition, 6-gingerol and silymarin treatment prevented the elevation of hepatic malondialdehyde formation and the depletion of antioxidant status in the liver of acetaminophen-intoxicated mice (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results evidently demonstrate that 6-gingerol has promising hepatoprotective effect which is comparable to the standard drug silymarin.

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects of the ethanolic extract of Swertia chirayita

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Swertia chirayita, a medicinal herb endemic to the Tibetan region, is used as a special remedy for liver disorders. The hepatoprotective activity of its plant extracts has been associated with its antioxidant activity. This paper aims to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects of Swertia chirayita extracts (SCE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antioxidant ability of Swertia chirayita was investigated by employing several established in vitro methods. In vivo antioxidant activity was tested against CCl(4)-induced toxicity in mice. The levels and activities of malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), were then assayed using standard procedures.

RESULTS

SCE exhibited strong antioxidant ability in vitro. The liver and kidney of CCl(4)-intoxicated animals exhibited a significant (p<0.001) decrease in SOD, CAT, and GSH levels. Additionally, these organs exhibited a significant (p<0.001) increase in MDA level. CCl(4) did not exhibit toxicity on mice treated with SCE and Vitamin E. The effects of Swertia chirayita (three dosages) were comparable to those of Vitamin E, except in MDA level in the liver and GSH level in the kidney (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the ethanolic extract of Swertia chirayita possesses in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects. This supports the traditional use of Swertia chirayita in Tibetan medicine to cure liver diseases.

Hepatoprotective activity of a vinylic telluride against acute exposure to acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity has been related with several cases of cirrhosis, hepatitis and suicides attempts. Notably, oxidative stress plays a central role in the hepatic damage caused by APAP and antioxidants have been tested as alternative treatment against APAP toxicity. In the present study, we observed the hepatoprotector activity of the diethyl-2-phenyl-2-tellurophenyl vinylphosphonate (DPTVP), an organotellurium compound with low toxicity and high antioxidant potential. When the dose of 200 mg/kg of APAP was used, we observed that all used doses of DPTVP were able to restore the -SH levels that were depleted by APAP. Furthermore, the increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels and in the seric alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and the histopathological alterations caused by APAP were restored to control levels by DPTVP (30, 50 and 100 μmol/kg). On the other hand, when the 300 mg/kg dose of APAP was used, DPTVP restored the non-proteic -SH levels and repaired the normal liver morphology of the intoxicated mice only at 50 μmol/kg. Our in vitro results point out to a scavenging activity of DPTVP against several reactive species, action that is attributed to its chemical structure. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the pharmacological action of DPTVP as a hepatoprotector is probably due to its scavenging activity related to its chemical structure.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of the methanolic extract from Halenia elliptica

AIMS OF STUDY

Halenia elliptica, a medicinal herb of Tibetan origin, was commonly used in folk medicine to treat hepatitis. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Halenia elliptica against experimentally induced liver injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antioxidant property of methanolic extract (ME) of Halenia elliptica was investigated by employing various established in vitro systems. The ME of Halenia elliptica was studied here for its hepatoprotective effects against CCl(4)-induced liver toxicity in rats. Activity was measured by monitoring the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin.

RESULTS

The ME possessed strong antioxidant activity in vitro. The results of CCl(4)-induced liver toxicity experiment showed that rats treated with the ME of Halenia elliptica (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), and also the standard treatment, silymarin (50 mg/kg), showed a significant decrease in ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin levels, which were all elevated in the CCl(4) group (p<0.01). The results observed after administration of 100 mg/kg ME were comparable to those of silymarin at 50 mg/kg (p>0.05). The ME did not show any mortality at doses up to 2000 g/kg body weight.

CONCLUSION

These results seem to support the traditional use of Halenia elliptica in pathologies involving hepatotoxicity, and the possible mechanism of this activity may be due to strong free radical-scavenging and antioxidant activities of ME.

Assessment of mutagenicity and cytotoxicity of Solanum paniculatum L. extracts using in vivo micronucleus test in mice

Solanum paniculatum L. is a plant species widespread throughout tropical America, especially in the Brazilian Savanna region. It is used in Brazil for culinary purposes and in folk medicine to treat liver and gastric dysfunctions, as well as hangovers. Because of the wide use of this plant as a therapeutic resource and food, the present study aimed at evaluating the mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of S. paniculatum ethanolic leaf and fruit extracts using the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test. Our results indicate that neither S. paniculatum ethanolic leaf extract nor its ethanolic fruit extract exhibited mutagenic effect in mice bone marrow; however, at higher doses, both extracts presented cytotoxic activity.