Exposure to Oscillating High Electrical Potential and the Associated Low Frequency Magnetic Field Enhances the Hepatoprotective Action of Schisandrin B in Vivo and in Vitro

Abstract

The effect of electromagnetic manipulation (EM), consisting of an oscillating (50 Hz) high electrical potential (a maximum value of 20,000 V and an output current < 100 µA) and its associated alternating magnetic field (50-60 Guass), on the hepatoprotective action of schisandrin B (Sch B, an active ingredient isolated from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis) was examined in the mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatotoxicity and the AML12 cell model of menadione-induced toxicity. EM was found to enhance the Sch B-induced hepatoprotective action against CCl4 toxicity in mice and cytoprotective action against menadione toxicity in AML12 hepatocytes. The potentiating effect of EM on the pharmacological action of Sch B may be mediated by the increase in drug availability to tissues or cells and/or the pro-oxidant action of electromagnetic field in vivo.