Evaluation of the effectiveness of Piper cubeba extract in the amelioration of CCl4-induced liver injuries and oxidative damage in the rodent model

Exploring Piperine: Unleashing the multifaceted potential of a phytochemical in cancer therapy

Radiotherapy is a cornerstone in the treatment of solid tumors, with extensive Phase III trials confirming its effectiveness. As advancements in treatment technologies and our understanding of tumor resistance mechanisms continue, the role of radiation oncology is set to become even more pivotal. Addressing the global challenge of lethal cancers demands innovative strategies, particularly in minimizing the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy and ionizing radiation (IR). Recently, there has been growing interest in natural compounds for radioprotection, aiming to prevent tumor development and metastasis. Piperine, a compound found in black and long pepper, has emerged as a promising chemopreventive agent that works effectively without harming normal cells. Mechanistically, piperine modulates key signaling pathways, inhibits cancer cell migration and invasion, and enhances sensitivity to IR. Combining piperine with radiotherapy offers a compelling approach, boosting treatment efficacy while protecting healthy tissues from radiation damage. Piperine's versatile role goes beyond radiosensitization to include radioprotection by inhibiting NF-κB activation, reducing autophagy, and promoting apoptosis in cancer cells. This dual action makes it a promising candidate for personalized cancer care. As research advances, the therapeutic potential of piperine may drive new frontiers in cancer treatment strategies.

Selective Adjuvant Ayurvedic Treatment Modulates Immune Response and Oxidative Stress in a Patient with Carcinoma of the Pyriform Fossa, Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Case Study

INTRODUCTION

Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, stage III has poor prognosis with only 25% chance of 5 years of relative survival in such patients in spite of conventional treatment including radical surgery, radiotherapy, and concurrent chemotherapy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A chronic tobacco-betel nut chewer 62-year-old male patient had dysphagia with hoarseness of voice diagnosed with stage III, grade II malignant pyriform fossa. The patient underwent 9 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with Inj Paclitaxel 100 mg and Inj Cisplatin 40 mg. He was then referred to our institute for Radical Radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy with adjunct Ayurvedic treatment. A total dose of 70 Gy of radiation with cobalt 60 source was administered to the bilateral face and neck, in 35 fractions. Patient also received 6 cycles of concurrent weekly chemotherapy with Inj Cisplatin 40 mg. He received well-planned adjunct Ayurvedic treatment in the form of oral Ayurvedic medicines (OAM) and detoxifying treatment, Panchakarma. All the measured adverse effects of radiotherapy such as Stomatitis, Xerostomia, Taste Alteration, Dysphagia, and Nausea were observed to be remarkably low during and post radiotherapy in this patient. Karnofsky and Quality of Life (QoL) scores revealed patient's well-being throughout the treatment course. After 5 years, PET CT scan revealed no FDG avid locoregional recurrence or distant organ involvement implying disease-free survival (DFS). Various chemokines, cytokines, and oxidative stress markers were assessed during the course of treatment to observe tumour microenvironment.

CONCLUSION

The present case of Head & Neck Cancer (HNC), stage III, and grade II belonged to high-grade, high-risk hypopharyngeal cancer with poor prognosis. The patient opted for Ayurvedic treatment besides radiotherapy, which continued thereafter for 5 years. We therefore emphasize that in this case, minimum side effects of radiotherapy, immunomodulation, and reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress along with good quality of life can be attributed to OAM and repeated detoxifying Panchakarma treatment supported with healthy diet and good lifestyle. The highlight of the study is the marked effect on the patient's immune response and reduction in oxidative stress, leading to 5 years and beyond of DFS.

Serum γ-glutamyltransferase levels and obesity status changes the risk of prehypertension in Chinese adults

Objective

It's well known that γ-Glutamyltransferase (γ-GGT) and obesity plays an important role in the development of preHT. However, the effect of γ-GGT on preHT in populations with different obesity status remains unclear.

Methods

From February 2014 to January 2018, a total of 20,368 participants were enrolled in this study after excluding those with hypertension and liver diseases. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure γ-GGT and blood lipid levels and glucose indices. Demographic and clinical parameters such as sex, age, height, weight, neck circumference (NC), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and body fat ratio (BFR); and information on smoking and alcohol consumption were collected by trained medical professionals.

Results

Participants were divided into three groups based on obesity status. The prevalence of preHT was 83.5 % in the obesity group was higher than that in the overweight group (58.9 %) and the normal group (47.1 %). γ-GGT in different categories of obesity indices were significantly different, and higher obesity indices were found with higher γ-GGT levels. The interaction of γ-GGT and obesity indices such as NC, WC, HC, and BFR on the prevalence of preHT was significant (P = 0.028, 0.002, 0.007, and 0.034, respectively). Serum γ-GGT was found to be positively associated with preHT in participants with normal and overweight body mass indices.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that γ-GGT is a risk factor for preHT in participants who are nonobese, and that the obesity indices NC, WC, HC, BFR, and γ-GGT were contributing factors in increasing the risk of preHT.

BrdU does not induce hepatocellular damage in experimental Wistar rats

Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) is used in studies related to cell proliferation and neurogenesis. The multiple intraperitoneal injections of this molecule could favor liver function profile changes. In this study, we evaluate the systemic and hepatocellular impact of BrdU in male adult Wistar rats in 30 %-partial hepatectomy (PHx) model. The rats received BrdU 50 mg/Kg by intraperitoneal injection at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 16 days after 30 %-PH. The rats were distributed into four groups as follows, control, sham, PHx/BrdU(-) and PHx/BrdU(+). On day 16, we evaluated hepatocellular nuclei and analyzed histopathological features by haematoxylin-eosin stain and apoptotic profile was qualified by caspase-3 presence. The systemic effect was evaluated by liver markers such as alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP), bilirubin, total proteins and serum albumin content. The statistical analysis consisted of a student t-test and one-way ANOVA. BrdU did not induce apoptosis or hepatocellular damage in male rats. Multiple administrations of BrdU in male rats did not induce significant decrease body weight, but increased serum ALT and LDH levels were found. Our results show that the BrdU does not produce hepatocellular damage.

Hepatoprotective effects of bioactive compounds from traditional herb Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) against galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi; Family: libiaceae), also known as "The Queen of herbs" or "Holy Basil," is an omnipresent, multipurpose plant that has been used in folk medicine of many countries as a remedy against several pathological conditions, including anticancer, antidiabetic, cardio-protective, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, and adaptogenic actions. This study aims to assess O. sanctum L.'s hepatoprotective potential against galactosamine-induced toxicity, as well as investigate bioactive compounds in each extract and identify serum metabolites. The extraction of O. sanctum L as per Ayurveda was simultaneously standardized and quantified for biochemical markers: rutin, ellagic acid, kaempferol, caffeic acid, quercetin, and epicatechin by HPTLC. Hepatotoxicity was induced albino adult rats by intra-peritoneal injection of galactosamine (400 mg/kg). The quantified hydroalcoholic and alcoholic extract of O. sanctum L (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight/day) were compared for evaluation of hepatoprotective potential, which were assessed in terms of reduction in histological damage, change in serum enzymes such as AST, ALT, ALP and increase TBARS. Twenty chemical constituents of serum metabolites of O. sanctum were identified and characterized based on matching recorded mass spectra by GC-MS with those obtained from the library-Wiley/NIST. We evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of various fractions of hydroalcoholic extracts based on the polarity and investigated the activity at each phase (hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate) in vitro to determine how they affected the toxicity of CCL4 (40 mM) toward Chang liver cells. The ethyl acetate fraction of the selected plants had a higher hepatoprotective activity than the other fractions, so it was used in vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC). The ethyl acetate fraction contains high amounts of rutin (0.34% w/w), ellagic acid (2.32% w/w), kaempferol (0.017% w/w), caffeic acid (0.005% w/w), quercetin (0.038% w/w), and epicatechin (0.057% w/w) which are responsible for hepatoprotection. In comparison to standard silymarin, isolated bioactive molecules displayed the most significant hepatoprotective activity in Chang liver cells treated to CCl4 toxicity. The significant high hepatoprotection provided by standard silymarin ranged from 77.6% at 100 μg/ml to 83.95% at 200 μg/ml, purified ellagic acid ranged from 70% at 100 μg/ml to 81.33% at 200 μg/ml, purified rutin ranged from 63.4% at 100 μg/ml to 76.34% at 200 μg/ml purified quercetin ranged from 54.33% at 100 μg/ml to 60.64% at 200 μg/ml, purified epicatechin ranged from 53.22% at 100 μg/ml to 65.6% at 200 μg/ml, and purified kaempferol ranged from 52.17% at 100 μg/ml to 60.34% at 200 μg/ml. These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds in O. sanctum L. have significant protective effects against galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity.

Liver protection and hemostatic effects of medicinal plant Arnebia euchroma (Royle) I.M.Johnst extract in a rat model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Arnebia euchroma (Royle) I.M.Johnst. (AE) is a Chinese medicinal herb that is traditionally used to treat various circulatory diseases. It exhibits certain effects, such as the promotion of blood circulation and cooling, rash clearance, and detoxification.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to explore the hepatoprotective and hemostatic effects of the ethyl acetate extract of AE in rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wistar rats were treated via oral gavage with different doses of the ethyl acetate extract of AE (3.5, 7, or 14 g kg^-1·day^-1) for 14 consecutive days, following which hemostatic and liver function tests were conducted. For the hemostatic tests, the platelet count, blood platelet aggregation, blood platelet adhesion to fibrinogen, platelet factor 4 (PF-4) secretion from blood platelets, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombin time (TT), and fibrinogen levels were measured at the end of the treatment period. For the liver function tests, 0.25 mL/200 g (1.25 mL kg^-1·day^-1) of olive oil was injected into the abdominal cavity of the control rats, whereas 15% CCl₄ plus olive oil (prescription: 7.5 mL CCl₄ + 42.5 olive oil) was injected into that of the treated rats at 1 h after extract administration on day 6, 13, and 20. Additionally, food and water were withheld from all the animals. On the following day, the rats were anesthetized and their albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. Glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels among the groups were determined using a one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

The platelet count and blood platelet aggregation, blood platelet adhesion to fibrinogen and PF-4 secretion levels were significantly increased in the (3.5 g kg^-1 day^-1) AE group as compared to those in the control group (all p < 0.001; for the 7 and 14 g kg^-1 day^-1 AE groups, all p > 0.05, respectively). Although the PT and aPTT were not affected by the AE extract (all p > 0.05), the TT was reduced and the FIB levels were significantly increased in all AE groups (p < 0.05). Liver function tests showed that CCl₄ caused significant liver damage, thereby decreasing the albumin, SOD, CAT, GSH, GST, GR, and GPx levels, while increasing the AST, ALT, ALP, SGOT, SGPT, GGT, LDH, ROS, and MDA levels (all p < 0.001). By contrast, treatment with the different doses of AE extract reversed the CCl₄ effects on all these parameters. Compared with the levels in the CCl₄ group, the GSH and GR levels in the three AE groups (3.5, 7, and 14 g kg^-1·day^-1) were significantly higher (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively), whereas the differences in the other parameters for these three groups were all at the significance levels of p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

AE extracts administered orally exhibited hepatoprotective activity by affecting platelet production and blood coagulation and ameliorating liver function-damaging modifications. Specifically, a dosage of 3.5 g kg^-1·day^-1 resulted in the most optimal effects.

Hepatoprotective effect of Pandanus odoratissimus seed extracts on paracetamol-induced rats

CONTEXT

Pandanus odoratissimus Linn. (Pandanaceae) seed extract is known to have antioxidant activities. However, the potential hepatoprotective effect is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the hepatoprotection aspect of P. odoratissimus methanol extract towards paracetamol-induced rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six equal groups: one group served as the healthy control and five groups with hepatotoxicity (hepatotoxic control and 4 treatment groups). The oral treatment of paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity of 3 g/kg using three different concentrations of P. odoratissimus (300, 600 and 900 mg/kg), and silymarin (200 mg/kg) groups were administered once a day for 14 days. Enzyme activities and protein levels in serum were determined in rats at the end of the treatments. The histopathology of rat livers was observed under an electron microscope with 10× magnification.

RESULTS

Pandanus odoratissimus significantly decreased the serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities in induced-paracetamol rat serum (p < 0.05). Moreover, P. odoratissimus significantly decreased total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels (p < 0.05). It significantly blocked the decline of serum albumin and protein levels (p < 0.05). Histopathological changes amplified paracetamol-induced liver damage and the hepatoprotective effect of P. odoratissimus in the liver.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Pandanus odoratissimus improved the hepatoprotective effect in a concentration-dependent manner by reducing related hepatic enzyme and protein markers, suggesting as a useful agent in hepatotoxicity treatment, and it can be generalized to a broader study population in different hepatotoxic animal models.

Hepatoprotective effect of galangin on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity via the LKB1/AMPK pathway

To investigate the protective effects of galangin on liver toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice. Mouse hepatotoxicity model was established by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of 10 ml/kg body weight CCl4 that diluted with corn oil to a proportion of 1:500 on Kunming mice. The mice were randomly divided into five groups named control group, model group, and 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg galangin group. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were analyzed by ELISA. Liver histopathological examination was observed via optical microscopy. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and glutathion (GSSG) were analyzed to assess oxidative stress. Finally, western blot assay was carried out to analyse the expression levels of total AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phospho-AMPK (p-AMPK), total liver kinase B1 (LKB1), and phospho-LKB1 (p-LKB1). Compared with the control group, in the model group, the levels of AST, ALT, MDA, and GSSG increased significantly ( p < 0.01); the activity of SOD and GSH decreased significantly ( p < 0.01); and the histopathological examination revealed liver necrosis. However, treatment with galangin (5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly reversed these CCl4-induced liver damage indicators. Furthermore, treatment with galangin (10 mg/kg) significantly increased the p-AMPK and p-LKB1 expression levels ( p < 0.01). This study supports the hepatoprotective effect of galangin against hepatotoxicity, perhaps occurring mainly through the LKB1/AMPK-mediated pathway.

Caspase-3-related apoptosis prevents pathological regeneration in a living liver donor rat model

PURPOSE

The main goal of this study was to determine the relationship of cleaved-caspase-3 (C3)-related apoptosis and hepatic proliferation, during the liver repopulation in a living liver donor rat model.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Thirty-three animals were randomized into eleven groups and evaluated on postoperative from 3 ​h until 384 ​h after 30%-partial hepatectomy (30%-PHx). Liver sections (5 ​μm) were processed by hematoxylin-eosin, and immunostaining for C3, accompanied by hepatic function test. C3 content and the hepatic lobule enlargement were analyzed by optical density, followed by cell counting.

RESULTS

Transient variations of alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were found. Significant increase in the C3 levels, and cell nuclei number, were detected at 12 ​h and 48 ​h after 30%-PHx, evidencing a correlation of p ​= ​-0.3679.

CONCLUSION

In the 30%-PHx rat model, C3-related apoptosis prevents proliferative pathological conditions during the hepatic lobule re-modeling.

The Great Healing Potential Hidden in Plant Preparations of Antioxidant Properties: A Return to Nature?

The application of chemicals in industry and agriculture has contributed to environmental pollution and exposure of living organisms to harmful factors. The development of new pharmaceutical agents enabled successful therapy of various diseases, but their administration may be connected with side effects. Oxidative stress has been found to be involved into etiology of numerous diseases as well as harmful action of drugs and chemicals. For some time, plant origin substances have been studied as potential protective agents alleviating toxicity of various substances and symptoms of diseases. The aim of the current review was to present the diversity of the research performed during the last five years on animal models. The outcomes showed a huge protective potential inherent in plant preparations, including alleviating prooxidative processes, strengthening antioxidant defence, ameliorating immune parameters, and reversing histopathological changes. In many cases, plant origin substances were proved to be comparable or even better than standard drugs. Such findings let us suggest that in the future the plant preparations could make adjuvants or a replacement for pharmaceutical agents. However, the detailed research regarding dose and way of administration as well as the per se effects needs to be performed. In many studies, the last issue was not studied, and in some cases, the deleterious effects have been observed.

In vitro anthelmintic activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extract of Piper cubeba fruits and isolated natural products against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep

This study describes the in vitro anthelmintic activity of a hydroalcoholic extract from the fruit of Piper cubeba and its major isolated components against the eggs and larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes obtained from naturally-infected ovines. In vitro anthelmintic activity was evaluated using the egg hatch test (EHT), larval development test (LDT) and L3 migration inhibition test (LMT). The extract showed ovicidal and larvicidal activity, with an EC₅₀ of 200 μg/mL and 83.00 μg/mL in the EHT and LDT, respectively. The extract inhibited 100% of larval migration at the lowest tested concentration (95 μg/mL). The crude extract was purified using successive silica gel chromatographic columns, which revealed the lignans hinokinin, cubebin and dihydrocubebin as the major compounds that were present, which were then used in in vitro tests. Cubebin, dihydrocubebin and hinokinin showed higher activity than the crude extract, with an EC₅₀ for ovicidal activity of 150.00 μg/mL, 186.70 μg/mL and 68.38 μg/mL, respectively. In the LDT, cubebin presented an EC₅₀ of 14.89 μg/mL and dihydrocubebin of 30.75 μg/mL. Hinokinin inhibited 100% the larval development at all concentrations evaluated. In the LMT, dihydrocubebin inhibited 100% the larval migration in all concentrations evaluated while cubebin and hinokinin showed EC₅₀ values of 0.89 μg/mL and 0.34 μg/mL, respectively. P. cubeba extract is rich in several classes of active compounds, but here we demonstrate that the described anthelmintic activity may be related to the presence of these lignans, which are present in larger concentrations than other components of the extract. Our results demonstrate for first time the anthelmintic activity against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep for this class of special metabolites that are present in P. cubeba fruit. However, future detailed studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of P. cubeba fruits extract and active lignans in in vivo tests.

Hepatoprotective activity of raspberry ketone is mediated via inhibition of the NF-κB/TNF-α/caspase axis and mitochondrial apoptosis in chemically induced acute liver injury

Raspberry Ketone (RK) is a natural phenolic compound which is marketed nowadays as a popular weight-reducing remedy, with reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its biological activity is not fully elucidated. Hepatotoxicity is the leading cause of acute liver failure in Europe and North America, and its management is still challenging. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the therapeutic detoxification activity of RK against liver injury in vivo and to explore the underlying mechanisms using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity as a model. First, a dose-response study using 4 different doses, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg kg-1 day-1, of RK was conducted. RK was administered for 5 days as a pretreatment, followed by a single dose of CCl4 (1 ml kg-1, 1 : 1 v/v CCl4 : olive oil). The RK dose of 200 mg kg-1 showed the greatest protective effect and was selected for further investigations. CCl4 hepatotoxicity was confirmed by elevation of liver enzymes, and histopathological examination. CCl4-induced oxidative stress was evident from increased lipid peroxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) along with depleted superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Increased oxidative stress was associated with increased cytochrome c expression with subsequent activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, in addition to DNA fragmentation reflecting apoptosis. CCl4 also induced the expression of inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB and TNF-α). Interestingly, RK hepatoprotective activity was evident from the reduction of liver enzymes, and maintenance of hepatocyte integrity and microstructures as evaluated by histopathological examination using H and E, and transmission electron microscopy. The antioxidant activity of RK was demonstrated by the increase of TAC, SOD, and GSH, with a concomitant decrease of the TBARS level. Moreover, RK pretreatment inhibited CCl4-induced upregulation of inflammatory mediators. RK antiapoptotic activity was indicated by the reduction of the expression of cytoplasmic cytochrome-C, a decrease of caspases, and inhibition of DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that RK is a promising hepatoprotective agent. The underlying mechanisms include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. This is the first study reporting RK hepatoprotective activity in acute hepatic injury and approves its antiapoptotic effect in the liver.

Wound healing evaluation of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system containing Piper cubeba essential oil

The objective of this work was to characterize and evaluate wound healing potential of Piper cubeba oil (PO) via self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) in comparison with standard gentamycin. PO loaded SNEDDS was prepared by low energy emulsification technique and characterized for thermodynamic stability, self-emulsification power and various physico-chemical parameters. An optimal formula of PO SNEDDS was subjected to wound healing evaluation, collagen determination and histomorphological examination in female Wistar rats as compared with pure PO and standard antibiotic/gentamycin. An optimal formula of PO SNEDDS showed significant wound healing effects in Wistar female rats in comparison with pure PO. However, wound healing effects of optimized SNEDDS were comparable with standard gentamycin. An optimized formulation also indicated significant enhancement in collagen content (0.82 mg/g) in comparison with pure PO (0.53 mg/g) and negative control (0.33 mg/g). While, the collagen content of SNEDDS (0.82 mg/g) treated rats were comparable with standard gentamycin treated animals (0.98 mg/g). Histopathological examinations of optimized SNEDDS treated animals showed no signs of inflammatory cells which indicated that prepared SNEDDS was safe and nontoxic to rats. The results obtained in this work showed the potential application of SNEDDS in enhancement of the wound healing activity of PO upon oral administration.

Development of a Validated High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method and Optimization of the Extraction of Lignans from Piper cubeba

Piper cubeba L. f. is a food seasoning, which contains secondary metabolites displaying several biological properties, such as cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic activities. The lignans (+)-dihydroclusin, (-)-clusin, (-)-cubebin, (-)-yatein, and (-)-haplomyrfolin were isolated, with (-)-haplomyrfolin reported for the first time in P. cubeba seeds. Chromatographic standards were used to develop a reliable reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography analytical method according to the Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária and International Conference on Harmonization guidelines to quantitate these lignans in both P. cubeba seeds and their extracts. The extraction of the lignans was also optimized, with the best conditions being ultrasound-assisted extraction, with 84% aqueous ethanol for 38 min in a single extraction. This procedure allows for the extraction of more than 80% of the total lignans, which is better in comparison to other techniques, such as maceration and Soxhlet extraction.

Effect of Piper cubeba L. fruit on ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride induced urolithiasis in male Sprague Dawley rats

Background

To investigate the antilithiatic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Kabab Chini (Piper cubeba L.) fruit in male Sprague Dawley rats.

Methods

Rats were divided into six groups of six each. Group I received regular rat food and drinking water ad libitum. Groups II to VI were administered with ethylene glycol (EG) 0.75% (V/V) and ammonium chloride (AC) 1% (W/V) in drinking water for 7 days to induce urolithiasis. From 8th day Group I received 1 mL of 5% gum acacia. Group IV was treated with Cystone; V and VI groups with the hydro-alcoholic extract of Piper cubeba L. Treatment was continued for further 14 days, thereafter animals sacrificed. While Group II animals were sacrificed just after 7 days treatment with EG and AC. Group III was left untreated until 14 days and sacrificed on 22nd day. Crystalluria was analyzed on 8th and 22nd day while, urinary calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, sodium and magnesium on 22nd day. Biochemistry and histopathological studies of kidney were also carried out.

Results

Test groups showed significant reduction (p < 0.001) of crystals in urine. Serum creatinine and urea (p < 0.01) were also decreased significantly. Urine analysis showed significant increase in magnesium while calcium, sodium, chloride and phosphorus significantly decreased along with histopathological improvement in kidney tissue in treated groups.

Conclusion

From the above results it can be concluded that hydroalcoholic extract of P. cubeba L. fruit has significant inhibitory effect in calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

Protective Effects of Silymarin, Alone or in Combination with Chlorogenic Acid and/or Melatonin, Against Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatotoxicity

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of silymarin (SIL), alone and combined with chlorogenic acid (CA) and/or melatonin (ME), using a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hepatotoxicity was induced by a single dose of CCl4 (1 ml/kg, IP). One day after, rats were received SIL (200 mg/kg) alone or in combination with CA (60 mg/kg) and/or ME (20 mg/kg) for 21 days.

RESULTS

SIL significantly decreased serum alanine aminotransferase, inflammatory cytokines, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels. Histological alterations, fibrogenesis, oxidative DNA damage, inflammatory mediators, and caspase-3 activity were significantly attenuated in SIL treated CCl4-intoxicated rats. On the other hand, cytochrome P450 2E1 activity showed a significant decrease in the liver of CCl4-intoxicated rats, an effect that was reversed following treatment with SIL. All beneficial effects of SIL were markedly potentiated when combined with CA and/or ME.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that SIL, alone and combined with CA and/or ME, protected the liver against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity via attenuating inflammation, oxidative DNA damage, apoptosis, and fibrotic changes. The significantly intensified hepatoprotective effects of SIL when combined with both CA and ME suggest a possible synergism. These synergistic effects need to be further confirmed using detailed studies.

SUMMARY

Silymarin, chlorogenic acid and melatonin possess in vivo hepatoprotective activitySilymarin, chlorogenic acid and melatonin attenuate fibrogenesis, oxidative DNA damage, inflammation and apoptosisChlorogenic acid and melatonin enhance the hepatoprotective effect of silymarin. Abbreviations used: SIL: silymarin, CA: chlorogenic acid, ME: melatonin, CCl4: carbon tetrachloride, CYP2E1, cytochrome P450 2E1, ALT: alanine aminotransferase, IL-6: interleukin 6, IFN-γ: interferon gamma, VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor, TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor alpha, CRP: C-reactive protein, 8-OxodG: 8-Oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine, TGF-B1: transforming growth factor beta 1, HSCs: hepatic stellate cells.

GC-MS Analysis: In Vivo Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activities of the Essential Oil of Achillea biebersteinii Afan. Growing in Saudi Arabia

Liver disease is a worldwide problem. It represents one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in humans. Achillea biebersteinii is used as herbal remedy for various ailments including liver diseases. But the scientific basis for its medicinal use remains unknown. Thus, this research was undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of A. biebersteinii essential oil (ABEO) (0.2 mL/kg) in the amelioration of CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rodent model. Moreover, the chemical content of the oil was investigated using GC and GC-MS. The following biochemical parameters were evaluated: serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (γ-GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin. Furthermore, lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA), nonprotein sulfhydryl (NP-SH), and total protein (TP) contents in liver tissue were estimated. 44 components (92.0%) of the total oil have been identified by GC-MS analysis where α-terpinene and p-cymene were the most abundant. The high serum enzymatic (GOT, GPT, GGT, and ALP) and bilirubin concentrations as well as the level of MDA, NP-SH, and TP contents in liver tissues were significantly reinstated towards normalization by the ABEO. Histopathological study further confirmed these findings. In addition, ABEO showed mild antioxidant activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid assays.

Biological investigation of a supersaturated self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of Piper cubeba essential oil

In this work, the mechanism ofPiper cubebaessential oil anti-inflammatory activity alone and as a supersaturated self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) was evaluated.