CCl4-induced Liver Damage Research Articles

Effects of Immature Coconut Water on the HepatoCytoarchitecture Against Carbontetrachloride-induced Liver Damagein Wistar Rats

The peculiar features of immature coconut water (ICW) have made it a therapeutic agent that can be used extensively in the field of medicine for both preventive, management and curative purposes. Development of a more efficient and cost effective means of prevention and management of liver disorders through antioxidant activities were the objectives for embarking on the current experiment. This experiment is aimed at investigating the protective effect of ICW against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity. 20 rats were fed on standard diet and divided into four groups. Rats in group 1 and group 2 were injected intraperitoneally (i.p) with olive oil. Group 1 received tap water only, while group 2 received ICW (100ml/kg body weight/day) only. Rats in Group 3 and Group 4 were injected i.p with CCl4 (5ml/kg body weight). Group 3 received tap water, while group 4 received ICW (100ml/kg body weight/day) only. At the end of the experiment (1 week), liver samples were collected for histopathological analysis. The present findings revealed that a significant cyto-architectural distortion, hepatocyte degeneration, necrotic cells, fatty liver, and inflammatory cell migration were observed in the liver of CCl4 treated group when compared with the normal control, positive control, and the experimental groups. The present study concluded that ICW administration played a protective role against CCl4-induced liver damages in Wister rats. These protective effects were in the form of retaining the histological features of liver in the experimental group.

Hepato-protective effects and chemical constituents of a bioactive fraction of the traditional compound medicine-Gurigumu-7.

BackgroundGurigumu-7 is an important traditional Mongolian medicine frequently used for liver diseases. However, the pharmacological effects and the bioactive constituents are not well understood.MethodThis research was to use CCl4-induced liver damage in mice to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Gurigumu-7 and the methanol eluted fraction from a DIAION column of an extract of Gurigumu-7 (MF). The chemical constituents of MF were analyzed by UPLC-MS.ResultsPretreated orally with MF (66, 132 and 264 mg/kg) once a day for 4 days dose-dependently suppressed CCl4-induced mice liver histopathological changes and serum aminotransferase activities (alanine transaminase: 1144.0 ± 787.2 v.s. 2461.8 ± 1072.7 U/L, p < 0.05; aspartate transaminase: 1173 ± 785.3 v.s. 2506.6 ± 1140.7 U/L, p < 0.01). MF treated group demonstrated increased levels of SOD (108.19 ± 30.32 v.s. 75.75 ± 5.37 U/mg protein, p < 0.01) but decreased levels of malonyldialdehyde (7.68 ± 1.95 v.s. 44.32 ± 16.68 nmol/mg protein, p < 0.01) compared to the CCl4 control group. More than 30 chemical constituents were quantified, and MF was found to be rich in ellagic acid (297.97 mg/g), luteolin and its glucosides (35.10 mg/g), apigenin and its glucosides (>30 mg/g), ursolic acid (14.91 mg/g), bidenoside C (8.75 mg/g), and proanthocyanidins (15.64 mg/g in proanthocyanidin A2 equivalent).ConclusionThe methanol eluted fraction (MF) from a DIAION column of an extract of the Mongolian medicine-Gurigumu-7 was found to be more hepatoprotective than Gurigumu-7. The results suggested that MF is a promising bioactive fraction for the development of new hepatoprotective medicine with better formulation and quality control properties.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Ajuga nipponensis extract by ultrasonic-assisted extraction.

To investigate suitable condition for extraction of the active components from Ajuga nipponensis (A. nipponensis). Orthogonal experimental design was used to determine the optimal extraction parameters for ecdysterones and flavonoids. Finally, the hepatoprotective abilities of A.nipponensis extracts were evaluated by CCl4-induced animal models. Maximum yields of flavonoids (7.87±0.10) mg/g and ecdysterones (0.73±0.02) mg/g could be obtained when the extraction time was 50min, the extraction temperature was 60°C, and the ratio of sample to 70% (v/v) ethanol was 1:20 (w/w). The antioxidant property of A.nipponensis was correlated to the concentration ofits extracts. At 5mg/mL, A.nipponensis extract scavenged 84.8% of DPPH radical and had absorbance values of 2.43±0.04 reducing power. Upon CCl4-induced liver injury, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase decreased significantly after the mice were treated with A.nipponensis. Histological researches also explained that A.nipponensis reduced the extent of liver lesions induced by CCl4. A.nipponensis exhibited potent antioxidant activity in chemical experimental models and hepatoprotective effect against CCl4-induced liver damage.

Comparative Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activities of Geniposide, Crocins and Crocetin by CCl4-Induced liver Injury in Mice.

Iridoid glycosides (mainly geniposide) and crocetin derivatives (crocins) are the two major active constituents in Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. In the present study, geniposide, crocins, crocin-1 and crocetin were separated from gardenia chromatographically. Then, mice were orally administrated with geniposide (400 mg/kg b.w.), crocins (400 mg/kg b.w.), crocin-1 (400 mg/kg b.w.) and crocetin (140 mg/kg b.w.) once daily for 7 days with CCl4. Hepatoprotective properties were evaluated by biochemical parameters: Administration of geniposide, crocins, crocin-1and crocetin significantly lowered serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in CCl4-treated mice. The reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) activities were also increased by geniposide, crocins, crocin-1 and crocetin. Histopathological examination of livers showed that these components reduced deformability, irregular arrangement and rupture of hepatocyte in CCl4-treated mice. These biochemical results and liver histopathological assessment demonstrated that geniposide, crocetin derivatives and crocetin show comparative beneficial effects on CCl4-induced liver damage via induction of antioxidant defense. Therefore, contents of geniposide and crocetin derivatives should be both considered for hepatoprotective efficacy of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis.

Bioactive Constituents of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Licorice): Discovery of the Effective Components of a Traditional Herbal Medicine.

Traditional herbal medicines have been reported to possess significant bioactivities. In this investigation, a combined strategy using both phytochemical and biological approaches was conducted to discern the effective components of licorice, a widely used herbal medicine. Altogether, 122 compounds (1-122), including six new structures (1-6), were isolated and identified from the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice). These compounds were then screened using 11 cell- and enzyme-based bioassay methods, including Nrf2 activation, NO inhibition, NF-κB inhibition, H1N1 virus inhibition, cytotoxicity for cancer cells (HepG2, SW480, A549, MCF7), PTP1B inhibition, tyrosinase inhibition, and AChE inhibition. A number of bioactive compounds, particularly isoprenylated phenolics, were found for the first time. Echinatin (7), a potent Nrf2 activator, was selected as an example for further biological work. It attenuated CCl4-induced liver damage in mice (5 or 10 mg/kg, ip) and thus is responsible, at least in part, for the hepatoprotective activity of licorice.

Hepatoprotection using Brassica rapa var. rapa L. seeds and its bioactive compound, sinapine thiocyanate, for CCl4-induced liver injury

The hepatoprotective effect of Brassica rapa seeds was evaluated. The antioxidant activities of extracts were determined using total phenolic content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and reducing power assays. Hepatoprotective effects were evaluated using CCl4-induced mouse liver damage animal model. Identification and quantification of the compound were based on ultra performance liquid chromatographic (UPLC) analysis. All extracts of Brassica rapa seeds exhibited high phenolic contents and strong antioxidant activities. The activities were in the order of ethanol extract ≥ 50% ethanol extract>water extract. All the three extracts showed effective hepatoprotection. They could ameliorate liver damage and improve the antioxidant defense system. Sinapine thiocyanate was the main component and was hepatoprotective in a dose-dependent manner. These findings imply that Brassica rapa seeds could be developed as a functional food for hepatoprotection.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Rubus idaeus L. Leaves against CCl4-Induced Liver Injury via Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and Antiapoptotic Mechanisms

Aims: To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) leaves against oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Study Design and Methodology: Forty rats were divided into 5 groups, 1) normal control; 2) Raspberry (Rsp) control (100 mg/kg); 3) CCl4 control; 4) and 5) CCl4 groups pre-treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg of Rsp leaves, respectively, once daily for 10 days. Liver injury was induced on the 11th day in groups 3, 4 and 5 by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (1.0 ml/kg) in 50% olive oil (1:1). Serum and liver were separated and prepared for biochemical and histological assay. Antioxidant, inflammatory and apoptotic markers were evaluated. Results: CCl4-induced liver damage was manifested by increased activities of serum marker enzymes, elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and by decreased hepatic antioxidants including reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase. CCl4 also resulted in elevated levels of hepatic inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin -6 (IL-6), IL-1β and nitric oxide (NO) as well as upregulation of apoptotic markers including caspase-3, FasL and Bax. Hepatic levels of Bcl2, an anti-apoptotic factor, was Original Research Article Attia; EJMP, 14(1): 1-16, 2016; Article no.EJMP.25300 2 decreased by CCl4. Pretreatment with Rsp leaves significantly ameliorated the elevation in serum liver enzymes and prevented lipid peroxidation and the depletion of the antioxidants. In addition, Rsp leaves exhibited anti-inflammatory effects via attenuation of increased hepatic levels of TNF-α, Il-6, IL-1β and NO. Additionally, CCl4-Induced apoptosis in the liver cell was attenuated by Rsp pretreatment. With regard to histological examination, Rsp leaves significantly alleviated degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes, accompanied by decreased inflammatory cell infiltration. Conclusion: These results suggest that Rsp leaves have protective effects against CCl4-induced acute liver injury, and this protection is likely due to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic mechanisms.

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activities of Mycelia Selenium Polysaccharide by Hypsizigus marmoreus SK-02.

This work was designed to investigate the characteristic properties (bond types and monosaccharide compositions), and hepatoprotective effects on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage of mycelia selenium polysaccharides (MSPS) separated and purified from Hypsizigus marmoreus SK-02. Characteristic analysis of MSPS showed the selenium content (70.15μg/g) in mycelia. The antioxidant activities in vitro demonstrated that MSPS had potential effects on scavenging reactive oxygen species and enhancing the reducing power. The treatment of MSPS for CCl4-induced animal experiment demonstrated that the MSPS could reduce the levels of malondiadehyde (MDA), lipid peroxide (LPO), glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (AST), and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT) activities and improve the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) in serum/liver homogenate against CCl4-induced injures. Findings presented in this study clearly demonstrated that MSPS might be suitable for functional foods and natural drugs in preventing the CCl4-induced acute liver damage.

Effect of dill tablet (Anethum graveolens L) on antioxidant status and biochemical factors on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage on rat.

Background:Liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) has been presented as an experimental model for research in hepatoprotective effects of natural product. A commercial medicine prepared from Anethum graveolens L (dill) is being used as dill tablet (DT) as a hypolipidemic agent. This experiment aimed to investigate the protective effect of DT against hepatic damage.Materials and Methods:Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6) as following for a 10 days experiments. (1) Normal animals; (2) normal animals +CCl4 1 ml/kg (1:1 of CCl4 in olive oil, by gastric tube); (3) CCl4 treated animals +100 mg DT/kg; (4) CCl4 treated animals +300 mg DT/kg. After 10 days of treatment, biochemical factors were measured; also antioxidant tests such as thiol group, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and catalase (CAT) activity in the liver samples were carried out.Results:In dill treated animals, a significant decrease in liver enzymes lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, γ-glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, as well as triglyceride, total cholesterol (P < 0.05) were observed. Total protein and albumin concentrations were significantly increased in dill treated groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, treatment with dill declined liver cholesterol, triglyceride, MDA, and increased TAC and CAT activity compared with untreated group (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Dill displayed a potential hepatoprotective effect against CCl4-induced liver damage based on both biochemical markers and antioxidant status.

Apitherapy products enhance the recovery of CCL4-induced hepatic damages in rats

Our objective was to identify the antioxidant properties of honeybee products from Turkey, chestnut honey, pollen, propolis, and royal jelly, and their hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats. Animals were fed with honeybee products for 7 days following CCl4 injection. Development of liver damage and oxidative stress were monitored by measuring the activities of the enzymes alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Antioxidant capacities of the bee products were identified using FRAP and DPPH assays, as well as by measuring total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The antioxidant activities of the honeybee products were highest in propolis, followed, in order, by pollen, honey, and royal jelly. Despite their different levels of antioxidant capacity, their roles in the prevention of liver damage induced by CCl4 were very similar, which can be explained through their bioavailability to the treated animals. Our results suggest that honey, propolis, pollen, and royal jelly significantly enhanced the healing of CCl4-induced liver damage, partially due to their antioxidant properties and bioavailability.

Free Radical-Scavenging, Anti-Inflammatory/Anti-Fibrotic and Hepatoprotective Actions of Taurine and Silymarin against CCl4 Induced Rat Liver Damage.

The present study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of taurine (TAU) alone or in combination with silymarin (SIL) on CCl4-induced liver damage. Twenty five male rats were randomized into 5 groups: normal control (vehicle treated), toxin control (CCl4 treated), CCl4+TAU, CCl4+SIL and CCl4+TAU+SIL. CCl4 provoked significant increases in the levels of hepatic TBARS, NO and NOS compared to control group, but the levels of endogenous antioxidants such as SOD, GPx, GR, GST and GSH were significantly decreased. Serum pro-inflammatory and fibrogenic cytokines including TNF-α, TGF-β1, IL-6, leptin and resistin were increased while the anti-inflammatory (adiponectin) cytokine was decreased in all treated rats. Our results also showed that CCl4 induced an increase in liver injury parameters like serum ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and bilirubin. In addition, a significant increase in liver tissue hydroxyproline (a major component of collagen) was detected in rats exposed to CCl4. Moreover, the concentrations of serum TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C and FFA were significantly increased by CCl4. Both TAU and SIL (i.e., antioxidants) post-treatments were effectively able to relieve most of the above mentioned imbalances. However, the combination therapy was more effective than single applications in reducing TBARS levels, NO production, hydroxyproline content in fibrotic liver and the activity of serum GGT. Combined treatment (but not TAU- or SIL-alone) was also able to effectively prevent CCl4-induced decrease in adiponectin serum levels. Of note, the combined post-treatment with TAU+SIL (but not monotherapy) normalized serum FFA in CCl4-treated rats. The biochemical results were confirmed by histological and ultrastructural changes as compared to CCl4-poisoned rats. Therefore, on the basis of our work, TAU may be used in combination with SIL as an additional adjunct therapy to cure liver diseases such as fibrosis, cirrhosis and viral hepatitis.

Assessment of the Potential Role of Silymarin Alone or in Combination with Vitamin E and/ or Curcumin on the Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Liver Injury in Rat

The aim of this study was to investigate the effective role of silymarin either alone or in a combination with vitamin E and/or curcumin against the toxic impact of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver injury The results revealed that administration of silymarin alone or in a combination with vitamin E and/or curcumin for 21 consecutive days, 24 h after CCl4 injection to rats, markedly ameliorated DNA damaged and apoptosis markers in rat livers, proinflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α) and C-reactive protein (CRP ) in rat livers as well as interleukin 6 (IL-6), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rat sera. These treatments also could ameliorated the alteration in cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) activity in livers of CCl4 intoxicated rats as well as the increase in the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) compared with CCl4 intoxicated untreated rats. The present biochemical results are supported by histo-pathological examination. In conclusion, silymarin in a combination with vitamin E and curcumin was the most effective treatment in alleviating CCl4 induced liver damage and this may support the use of this combination as an effective treatment against liver damage induced by toxic agents.

Impact of phenolic composition on hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of four desert medicinal plants.

BackgroundFlavonoids and other polyphenols play a protective role in liver diseases and possess a high antioxidant capacity.ObjectiveTo compare and evaluate the antioxidant and hepatotoprotective activities of 4 deserts plants, Fagonia indica Burm. f., Calotropis procera R.Br., Zygophylum hamiense Schweinf. and Salsola imbricata Forssk. in correlation to their composition especially their phenolic content.MethodsThe influence of extracting solvent on total phenolic and flavonoidal contents was assessed spectrophotometrically. The flavonoid and other polyphenolic components of the methanol extracts were analyzed by RP-HPLC. DPPH radical scavenging potential of the different extracts was estimated. The hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the extracts against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in mice were evaluated.ResultsThe flavonol quercitrin and rosmarinic acid were major in the F. indica, C. procera and S. imbricata samples, while rutin prevailed in that of Z. hamiense. The ethanolic and methanolic extracts showed noticeable DPPH radical-scavenging activity as compared to ascorbic acid. Assessment of liver enzymes revealed that oral administration of the extracts did not show any evidence of hepatotoxicity. Moreover, protection against CCl4-induced liver damage was evident upon administration of three plants extracts namely, F. indica, C. procera and S. imbricata.ConclusionOverall, hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 was effectively prevented by the three plants extracts through scavenging of free radicals and by boosting the antioxidant capacity of the liver. The protective effect of the plants could be attributed to their high quercitrin and rosmarinic acid contents.

Enrichment and purification of total flavonoids from Cortex Juglandis Mandshuricae extracts and their suppressive effect on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury in Mice.

In the present work, a simple and efficient chromatographic separation method was developed for preparative separation and enrichment of total flavonoids (TFs) from Cortex Juglandis Mandshuricae (CJM) extracts and then the protective effect of TFs against CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice was investigated. Enrichment and purification of TFs from CJM extracts were studied using six macroporous resins and HPD-750 resin was selected as the best resin according to its adsorption and desorption properties. The operating parameters of resin column chromatography were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, TFs from CJM with purity larger than 50% were produced and their antioxidant activity was further evaluated in vitro. The mice were orally administrated with the purified TFs for seven days and then given CCl4 (0.3%, 10mL/kg i.p.). The results showed that TFs of CJM significantly attenuated the activities of serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) compared with model group, as well as the relative liver weight. Histopathological observation also revealed that TFs reduced the incidence of liver lesions and improved hepatocyte abnormality. Moreover, oral administration of TFs significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)) and decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). Histopathological and biochemical results elicited that TFs of CJM had significant hepatoprotective activity comparable to the standard silymarin. This is the first time to reveal the protective actions of the TFs from CJM against CCl4-induced liver damage in mice and this natural product should be developed as a new drug for treatment of live injury in future.

The effect of aqueous stem bark extract of &lt;i&gt;Erythrinamildbraedii&lt;/i&gt; on carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in rats

This study evaluated the curative effects of aqueous stem bark extact of Erythrina mildbraedii in CCL4 induced liver damage. With the exception of group 1 (positive control), CCL4 was administered at a dose of 150 mg/kg to groups II, III, IV and V.Administration of CCL4 caused profound hepatic damage as indicated by elevation in serum levels of liver transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin. There was depletion of serum proteins and albumin. Administration of aquoeus stem bark extract of Erythrina mildbraedii at daily oral doses of 50,100, 150mg/kg reversed these biochemical aberrations to a significant level. The curative effects of stem bark extracts of Erythrina mildbraedii were further substantiated by histopathological examination of the liver hepatocytes . The result of the study suggested that aqueous stem bark extract of Erythrina mildbraedii posses hepatocurative effects.Keywords: Carbontetrachloride, Erythrina mildbraedii, liver enzymes, hepatotoxicity.

Effects of Fractionated Methanolic Leaf Extract of Gongronema latifoliumon CCl4-induced Wistar Albino Rats

The general aim of this study is to assess the effects of fractionated methanolic leaf extract of Gongronema latifoliumon CCl4-induced wistar albino rats. Fifty-four (54) Wistar albino rats were divided into seven treatment groups. Group A was given feed and water, Group B was injected with olive oil intra peritoneally, while the rest of the groups (C, D, E, F and G) were injected intra peritoneally with a single dose of CCl4(148 mg/kg). After 36 hours of induction, group E, F and G were given 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight of n-butanol fraction of methanol leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium by oral gavage. Group D was given 100 mg/kg of silymarin (standard drug) whereas group C served as CCl4-induced group. At the end of 28 days of treatment, there were significant (P < 0.05) reduction in PCV, Hb concentration and serum protein levels as well as a significant (P < 0.05) increase in percentage change in liver weights of CCl4-induced control rats when compared with the induced treated groups. Liver marker enzymes studies showed that there was significant (P < 0.05) increase in the serum activities of ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin concentrations in CCl4-induced control group when compared with the induced treated groups. Antioxidant assay on the liver homogenate showed that there was significant (P < 0.05) decrease in SOD, CAT, GPx and a significant increase (P < 0.05) in MDA of CCl4-induced control rats when compared to the normal control rats. These findings suggested that n-butanol fraction of methanol leaf extract of G. latifolium may have anti-hepatotoxic and antioxidative effects against CCl4-induced liver damage rats.

Purification, characterization and hepatoprotective activities of mycelia zinc polysaccharides by Pleurotus djamor

This study was designed to investigate the physicochemical properties (molecular weights, bond types and monosaccharide compositions), antioxidant activities, and hepatoprotective effects on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver damage of mycelia zinc polysaccharides (MZPSs) and its major fractions (MZPS-1, -2 and -3) separated from Pleurotus djamor. In vitro assays, the MZPS-3 demonstrated relatively strong antioxidant activities in dose-dependent manners. For in vivo hepatoprotective activities, administration of MZPS-3 at 800mg/kg significantly decreased the levels of AST, ALT, MDA and LPO, remarkably increased the levels of TC, TG and ALB, and prominently restored the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, CAT and T-AOC in serum/liver homogenate against CCl4-induced injures. Findings presented in this study clearly demonstrated that MZPSs, especially MZPS-3, might be suitable for functional foods and natural drugs in preventing the CCl4-induced acute liver damage.

Genoprotective and hepatoprotective effects of Guarana (Paullinia cupana Mart. var. sorbilis) on CCl4-induced liver damage in rats

Context: Several biological effects of Paullinia cupana (guarana) have been demonstrated, but little information is available on its effects on the liver. Objective: The current study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and genoprotective effects of powder seeds from guarana on CCl4-induced liver injury in rats. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were pretreated with guarana powder (100, 300 and 600 mg/kg) or silymarin 100 mg/kg daily for 14 days before treatment with a single dose of CCl4 (50% CCl4, 1 mL/kg, intraperitoneally). Results: The treatment with CCl4 significantly increased the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In addition, CCl4 increased the DNA damage index in hepatocytes. Guarana in all concentrations was effective in decreasing the ALT and AST activities when compared with the CCl4-treated group. The treatment with guarana decreased DNA damage index when compared with the CCl4-treated group. In addition, the DNA damage index showed a significant positive correlation with AST and ALT. Discussion and conclusion: These results indicate that the guarana has hepatoprotective activity and prevents the DNA strand breakage in the CCl4-induced liver damage in rats.

HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF FORSKOLIN IN CARBON TETRACHLORIDE-INDUCED MODEL OF ACUTE LIVER INJURY

Liver disease is one of the most common causes of death in the world. Nowadays, research studies have been focused on the development of new drugs for treatment of liver damage. Some natural products from medicinal plants have been found as potent agents for protection against liver injury induced by chemicals. Thus, it is interesting to find more effective natural products for protection against liver injury. Accordingly, the present study was designed to assess the hepatoprotective potential of a diterpenoid forskolin, isolated from the Indian plant Coleus forskohlii, at different doses in rat model with acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) at a dose of 1ml/kg intraperitoneally as a mixture with corn oil. Forkolin was administered in doses of 5,10,20,40 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 7 days. Its protective effect was assessed via liver function tests and histopathological liver sections. Significant reduction in the hepatic enzymes levels was found in animals treated with forskolin at a dose of 10mg/kg as well as restoration of hepatocellular architecture. Therefore, treatment with forskolin showed preventive effect against CCl4-induced liver damage.

Ameliorative effect of methanol extract of Rumex vesicarius on CCl4-induced liver damage in Wistar albino rats

Context: Rumex vesicarius L. (Polygonaceae), an edible plant, is reported to have many bioactive phytochemicals, especially flavonoids and anthraquinones with antioxidant and detoxifying properties.Objective: This study evaluated the methanolic extract of R. vasicarius (MERV) for hepatoprotective activity in rats against CCl4-induced liver damage.Materials and methods: The whole plant extract was prepared and investigated for its hepatoprotective activity. Rats were pretreated with MERV (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 d prior to the induction of liver damage by CCl4. Animals were then sacrificed 24 h after CCl4 administration for the biochemical (AST, ALT, and ALP activity in serum; lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) levels in liver tissue) and histological analyses.Results: CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity was confirmed by an increase (p < 0.05) in serum AST (4.55-fold), ALT (3.51-fold), and ALP (1.82-fold) activities. CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity was also manifested by an increase (p < 0.05) in LPO (3.88-fold) and depletion of reduced glutathione (3.14-fold) activity in liver tissue. The multiple dose MERV administration at 200 mg/kg showed promising hepatoprotective activity as evident from significant decrease levels of serum AST (230.01 ± 13.21), serum ALT (82.15 ± 5.01), serum ALP (504.75 ± 19.72), hepatic LPO (3.38 ± 0.33), and increased levels of hepatic glutathione (0.34 ± 0.04) towards near normal. Further, biochemical results were confirmed by histopathological changes as compared with CCl4-intoxicated rats.Discussion and conclusion: The results obtained from this study indicate hepatoprotective activity of Rumex plant against CCl4-induced liver toxicity; hence, it can be used as a hepatoprotective agent.