Hepatoprotective potential of Tecomella undulata stem bark is partially due to the presence of betulinic acid

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTecomella undulata (TU;` Family Bignoniaceae) is used in Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine for treating various diseases including hepatic ailments. It is also incorporated in various marketed hepatoprotective polyherbal formulations. AimThe present study was aimed at evaluating possible hepatoprotective role of isolated compounds from TU stem bark (TSB) using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. MethodsIn vitro cytotoxicity and hepatoprotective potential of various extract, fractions and isolated compounds from TU stem bark were evaluated using HepG2 cells. Rats were pre-treated with TU methanolic extract (TSB-7) or betulinic acid (MS-2) or silymarin for 7 days followed by a single dose of CCl4 (0.5ml/kg, i.p.). Plasma markers of hepatic damage, hepatic antioxidants and indices of lipid peroxidation along with microscopic evaluation of liver were assessed in control and treatment groups. ResultsTSB-2 and MS-1 accounted for significant cell death whereas; TSB-1, TBS-7, TSB-9, TSB-10 and, MS-2 did not register significant cytotoxicity. Further, non-cytotoxic components exhibited ascending grade of hepatoprotection in vitro (TSB-10<TSB-1<TSB-7<TSB-9<MS-2). Pre-treatment of TSB-7 or MS-2 to CCl4 treated rats prevented hepatocyte damage as evidenced by biochemical and histopathological observations. ConclusionIt can be concluded that, hepatoprotective potential of Tecomella undulata stem bark is partially due to the presence of betulinic acid.