Assessment of hepatoprotective potential of Radix Fici Hirtae on alcohol-induced liver injury in Kunming mice

Lingfeng Zeng,Jing Huang,Xiaofei Feng,Jieyi Zhou,Kangxian Li,Fangming Tan,Xiaosong Wu,Shasha Li,Mei Zhu,Yingting Ye,Yongjun Lai

doi:10.1016/j.bbrep.2018.10.003

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to investigate the hepatoprotective role of Radix Fici Hirtae on acute alcohol-induced liver injury in mice. MethodsThe component of Radix Fici Hirtae was extracted using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol and divided into three dose groups of high, medium and low according to the clinical man's normal dose of the 50 g crude drug/d (0.83 g/kg body weight). Saline in concentration of 10 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL and 2.5 mg/mL and a dose of mouse lavage (0.2 mL/10 g mouse body weight) were added to the solution. Histopathlogical analysis of liver was performed. Finally, liver protection was validated by examining the effect of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) on the hepatic function of mice in alcohol-induced liver injury model. ResultsExcept for group with saturated n-butyl alcohol, for the rest of the groups, pathological changes of hepatic lipid and inflammatory cells infiltration were alleviated and liver sinus was normal. As compared to model group, the concentrations of AST, ALT, AKP and LDH in chloroform groups and ethyl acetate groups were significantly decreased. ConclusionsExtracts of Radix Fici Hirtae are effective for the prevention of alcohol-induced hepatic damage in mice. The results revealed that extracts of Radix Fici Hirtae could be used as hepatoprotective agent.

Highlights

Alcohol-induced liver injury is one of the most common causes of liver diseases worldwide
Previous studies have shown that the main components of Radix Fici Hirtae include amino acids, sugars, steroid, vanilla bean extract, etc. [5,6], and demonstrated its anti-oxidation, immunoregulation [7], anti-inflammatory, protective gastric mucosa activities, which improves circulation, anti-hepatotoxicity caused by cardio cerebral hypoxia ischemia and various chemicals [8,9,10,11]
Our study showed that Radix Fici Hirtae can reduce the concentration of ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum, which is caused by acute alcohol-induced hepatic injury

Summary

Introduction

Alcohol-induced liver injury is one of the most common causes of liver diseases worldwide. Radix Fici Hirtae—root of Ficus hirta Vahl, which belongs to moraceae family—is a commonly used medicine for keep healthy in south China region. It is commonly used in spleen deficiency, self-sweating, chronic bronchitis, rheumatism and is associated with anti-inflammatory and immunological functions [3,4]. Radix Fici Hirtae has a hepatoprotective effect on N, N-dimethylformamide induced acute liver injury and cocaineinduced hepatotoxicity in mice [12,13]. In order to define the pharmacodynamics material basis for hepatoprotective effect of Radix Fici Hirtae, it is imperative to screen its active sites for liver protection

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Discussion

Conclusion