Hepatoprotective Effects Research Articles

Abstract The higher incidence of chronic noncommunicable diseases has stimulated interest in new foods that can aid in prevention and treatment. In this context, chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) emerge as a promising option due to their rich composition—including α-linolenic acid, fiber, and antioxidants, essential for cardiovascular health, glycemic markers, and neutralization of free radicals—contributing to the reduction of the risk of inflammation and metabolic diseases. This narrative review gathers the most current knowledge on the botanical aspects, composition, and health benefits of chia seeds, based on articles published between 2014 and 2024 in databases such as PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online, and ScienceDirect. Study results show chia seeds may play a role in the prevention and treatment of diseases by exhibiting antioxidant, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and lipid-lowering effects. This review highlights chia seeds as a potential functional food with several therapeutic benefits. However, more clinical studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms of action.

The immune system is essential for human health. Traditional chemical immunomodulators often have toxic side effects; for example, long-term use of cyclophosphamide (CTX) can lead to severe adverse consequences. Stropharia rugosoannulata, a flavorful edible mushroom native to China, exhibits antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antibacterial activity, with its polysaccharides being the key active components responsible for its immunomodulatory effects. Polysaccharides were extracted from S. rugosoannulata using a three-phase method to investigate their immunomodulatory activity and hepatoprotective effects in cyclophosphamide-induced mice. In vivo experiments showed that these polysaccharides significantly increased body weight, spleen index, and phagocytic index, regulated the CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and promoted secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin G (IgG). The mechanism involved activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, effectively enhancing immune function. Regarding hepatic protection, S. rugosoannulata polysaccharides (SRP) increased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in immunosuppressed mice, reversing CTX-induced liver injury. Histopathological analysis confirmed that SRP ameliorated CTX-induced pathological changes, including single-cell necrosis in the jejunal mucosa and insufficient hematopoietic compensation, and reduced lymphocytes in splenic white pulp. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing and applying SRP as an immunomodulator or hepatoprotective agent, with potential value in functional food and pharmaceutical applications. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tinospora cordifolia (commonly known as Guduchi or Giloy) is a medicinal climbing shrub widely used in traditional medicine for its immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects. The therapeutic potential of the plant is linked to its rich secondary metabolites, particularly alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, and phenolics. In the present study, chemical profiling of T. cordifolia stem extracts was performed to establish a comprehensive phytochemical fingerprint. Qualitative and quantitative assays confirmed the presence of diverse bioactive compounds, while chromatographic techniques highlighted key chemical markers such as berberine, tinosporaside, and cordifolioside. The results validate the pharmacological relevance of T. cordifolia and emphasize the importance of standardized phytochemical profiling for ensuring efficacy and safety of herbal formulations. This study provides a baseline for further pharmacological investigations and supports the integration of T. cordifolia into evidence-based herbal therapeutics.

Background: Pseudoprotodioscin (PPD) is a prominent active steroidal saponin isolated from plants of the genus Dioscorea. Investigations have shown that PPD exhibits considerable biological activity and has great clinical potential. Methods: Dioscorea plants and pseudoprotodioscin were used as search terms for study retrieval. Studies involving PPD were collected from a wide range of databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, Web of Science, and Elsevier, as well as relevant scientific websites. Results: PPD possesses multiple bioactive properties, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective effects. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats indicated that PPD undergoes rapid excretion and has low bioavailability (5.7%), which need to develop a more effective drug delivery system to modify, such as lipid-based nanoparticles. Additionally, Chinese patent medicines containing PPD have shown promising clinical applications in related diseases. Conclusions: This review highlights the therapeutic potential of PPD and its related Chinese patent medicines, providing a foundation for future research and clinical development. Further studies are required to optimize the pharmacokinetic profile of PPD and explore its full pharmacological potential and underlying mechanisms.

The consumption of food processed with thermally abused oil has increased significantly in developing countries due to the economic situation. The thermally abused oils are known to be produced along with a variety of toxic compounds that may be deleterious when consumed. The study evaluates the nephroprotective and hepatoprotective effects of Curcuma longa and Punica granatum of female Wistar rats fed thermally abused oil. Forty (40) Female Wistar rats were divided into eight groups. Each receives either standard rat chow or standard rat chow prepared with thermally abused oil. Four groups were subjected to treatment with Curcuma longa and/or Punica granatum supplements over a period of twelve weeks. Standard chemical methods were used to determine markers of kidney and liver functions. The rats fed with thermally abused oil supplemented diets shows significantly (p<0.05) higher Na+ (158.00±0.58 mmol/L), Cl- (113.00±2.08 mmol/L), HCO3- (22.67±0.33 mmol/L), creatinine (30.00±0.58 µmol/L) and Urea (1.03±0.03 mmol/L) compared with the groups that received standard rat chow and treatments. Only K+ (4.47±0.19 mmol/L) shows a significantly (p>0.05) lower concentration in the group fed thermally abused oil-supplemented diet compared to the normal control and treatment groups. The liver indices shows significantly (p<0.05) lower serum Total protein (33±0.33 g/L), albumin (11±0.67 g/L) and conjugated bilirubin (0.12±0.01 mg/dL) but significantly (p<0.05) higher serum Globulins (21.33±0.88 g/L), AST (33±0.58 µ/L), ALP (449±0.58 µ/L), ALT (24.67±0.33 µ/L) and Total bilirubin (1.90±0.06 mg/dL) in group fed thermally abused oil based diet compared to the normal control and treatment groups. The groups supplemented with Curcuma longa and/or Punica granatum exhibit improved conditions compared to those fed diets supplemented with thermally abused oil. The research recommends supplementing diets with Curcuma longa and/or Punica granatum, fed diets supplemented with thermally abused oil to protect the liver and kidneys from damage.

Overexposure to hepatotoxins is a frequent cause of acute liver injury (ALI). This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of resveratrol (RSV) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced ALI and its underlying mechanisms. In vitro, four hepatic cell lines (HepG2, Huh7, Hepa1-6, and AML12) were pretreated with RSV (10, 20, or 40µg/mL) before CCl₄ exposure. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitophagy-related protein expression were assessed. In vivo, mice were orally administered RSV (10-40mg/kg) for 7 days prior to CCl₄-induced ALI. Liver histopathological, liver function, oxidative stress markers, and apoptosis were measured. RSV significantly attenuated CCl₄-induced cytotoxicity and ROS overproduction in vitro. It activated the expression of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (Parkin)-dependent mitophagy, as indicated by upregulated Parkin, PINK1 and LC3-II (microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta), and reduced p62 expression. In vivo, RSV ameliorated CCl₄-induced ALI, reducing histopathological damage and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) / aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. RSV enhanced hepatic antioxidant capacity and decreased lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, RSV reduced hepatocyte apoptosis and consistently activated the PINK1/Parkin mitophagy pathway in liver tissues. Both in vitro and in vivo, RSV with the high dose exhibits the most potent effects. These findings demonstrate that RSV, particularly at the high dose exerts hepatoprotective effects against CCl₄-induced ALI, partly by activating PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy and alleviating oxidative stress. This highlights mitophagy's critical role in RSV-mediated protection and offers novel insights into its therapeutic mechanisms.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently reclassified as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired lipid metabolism. Bifidobacterium bifidum has emerged as a promising probiotic candidate for restoring metabolic balance, yet its mitochondrial-targeted mechanisms remain underexplored. This study investigates the role of B. bifidum in modulating hepatic mitochondrial β-oxidation pathways and key transcriptional regulators involved in fatty acid metabolism. MAFLD was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ). Following disease induction, B. bifidum was administered over two treatment durations (6 and 14 weeks). Liver function tests, lipid profiles, and stereological analyses were performed, and hepatic gene expression of UCP2, CPT1A, PGC-1α, PPAR-α, and PPAR-γ was evaluated using quantitative RT-PCR. B. bifidum treatment significantly reduced serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-C levels, while showing a non-significant upward trend in HDL-C levels. Gene expression analysis revealed that B. bifidum restored downregulated PGC-1α, CPT1A, and PPAR-α expression and normalized elevated UCP2 and PPAR-γ levels, suggesting enhanced mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. Histological and stereological assessments confirmed structural improvements in liver tissue, including reduced steatosis and improved hepatocyte morphology. These findings provide new mechanistic evidence that B. bifidum exerts hepatoprotective effects by reprogramming mitochondrial lipid metabolism through the PPAR-α/PGC-1α/CPT1A axis. This probiotic may offer a novel, mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategy for managing MAFLD and related metabolic disorders. Further studies are warranted to evaluate strain-specific effects and long-term outcomes in clinical settings.

Aims: This study investigated the comparative in vivo sub-acute toxicity and biochemical effects of ethanol extracts of A. heterophyllus (stembark, leaf, and pulp) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-induced Wistar albino rats. Methodology: A total of fifty-five male rats were randomly assigned to eleven groups (n = 5), comprising normal control, negative control (BPH-induced with 5.0 mg/kg testosterone propionate), standard control (finasteride 0.5 mg/kg), and eight treatment groups administered 250 or 500 mg/kg of the plant extracts orally for 21 days. Biochemical assessments were conducted to evaluate hepatic and renal function indices. Results: The BPH-induced rats exhibited significant increases (p < 0.05) in serum ALT (22.67 ± 0.62 U/L), AST (23.97 ± 2.28 U/L), ALP (179.50 ± 6.96 U/L), total bilirubin (24.40 ± 0.93 µmol/L), urea (30.43 ± 1.98 mg/dL), and creatinine (7.27 ± 1.01 mg/dL) compared with the normal control group, indicating hepatic and renal dysfunction. Treatment with A. heterophyllus extracts, particularly the stembark at 500 mg/kg, significantly reversed these biochemical alterations, restoring ALT (15.16 ± 0.22 U/L), AST (12.88 ± 0.15 U/L), ALP (129.30 ± 0.94 U/L), bilirubin (15.31 ± 9.32 µmol/L), and urea (23.77 ± 0.26 mg/dL) values toward normal levels. Electrolyte concentrations (Na⁺: 171.90 ± 2.85 mmol/L; K⁺: 5.60 ± 0.35 mmol/L; Cl⁻: 59.25 ± 2.95 mmol/L) remained within physiological ranges across all treatment groups. Conclusion: The findings indicate that A. heterophyllus extracts exhibit notable hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects, thereby highlighting the therapeutic promise and safety of A. heterophyllus, particularly its stembark extract, as a natural agent for mitigating BPH-associated hepatic and renal dysfunctions.

Anemia is induced by oxidative stress and hemolysis, remains a major health concern. Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx is rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols with established antioxidant and hematopoietic potentials. This study investigated the anti-anemic and hepatoprotective effects of dietary Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx supplementation in phenylhydrazine-induced anemia in rats. Twenty-four adults male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 4). Group I served as normal control; Group II received phenylhydrazine (PHZ; 12 mg/kg) to induce anemia; Groups III and IV were anemic rats fed 2% and 5% Hibicus sabdariffa calyx supplemented diets respectively, Treatments lasted six weeks post-induction. Hematological parameters were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer, while liver and kidney tissues were examined histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Penylhydrazine administration significantly (p < 0.05) reduced red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume compared to control. Supplementation with Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx significantly and dose-dependently improved these indices toward normal values. White blood cell and platelet counts were also normalized in treated groups. Histological examination revealed hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis in phenylhydrazine group, which were markedly ameliorated by Hibiscus sabdariffa supplementation, especially at 5% inclusion level, showing preserved hepatic architecture comparable to controls.

Plant-derived bioactive hydrogels have attracted growing attention in regenerative medicine due to their biocompatibility and multifunctional properties. However, limited studies have explored the integration of Ocimum basilicum extract into crosslinked hydrogels and its effects on angiogenesis and embryonic development. This study aimed to fabricate GPTMS-crosslinked chitosan–polyvinyl alcohol (CP) hydrogels incorporated with different concentrations of O. basilicum extract and to evaluate their physicochemical behavior, angiogenic potential, and embryotoxicological impact using the chick CAM model. Hydrogels were prepared with extract concentrations of 0, 300, and 600 µL (CP-0, CP-3, and CP-6). Swelling and biodegradation properties were assessed under in vitro conditions. In vivo evaluation included angiogenesis quantification using the chick CAM assay, morphological and morphometric analysis of embryos, amniotic fluid biochemical profiling, and histological examination of the liver. The CP-6 hydrogel exhibited the highest swelling and faster degradation, whereas CP-3 showed stable physicochemical behavior. CAM analysis revealed that CP-3 significantly enhanced vessel formation, while CP-6 suppressed angiogenesis. Morphometric and morphological evaluations confirmed normal development in control, CP-0, and CP-3 groups, but CP-6 embryos displayed teratogenic defects, including malformed limbs, abnormal curvature, and abdominal wall defects. Amniotic fluid biomarkers indicated reduced AST (31.8 U/L) and ALT (28.5 U/L) levels in the CP-3 group, demonstrating hepatoprotective effects, whereas the CP-6 group exhibited elevated AST (48.6 U/L) and ALT (42.3 U/L) values, confirming dose-dependent hepatic and renal toxicity.. Histological findings further corroborated these outcomes, with CP-3 preserving hepatic structure and CP-6 causing vacuolation and tissue disorganization. O. basilicum–loaded hydrogels demonstrated a biphasic, dose-dependent response, with CP-3 showing pro-angiogenic and biocompatible potential, while CP-6 induced systemic toxicity. These findings underscore the need for dose optimization to harness herbal extract–based hydrogels for wound healing, bone regeneration, and tissue engineering applications.uminants, offering actionable targets for precision breeding in tropical agricultural economics.

BackgroundAcute liver injury (ALI) represents a critical clinical challenge characterized by rapid degradation of hepatic function, necessitating prompt intervention for improved patient outcomes. Dendrobine (DDB) is the main bioactive component of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. (DNL), a traditional Chinese herb renowned for its protective effects against liver injury. However, the specific mechanisms underlying its hepatoprotective effects have not yet been fully elucidated.ObjectiveThis study aims to elucidate the potential mechanism underlying the protective effects of DDB against ALI, particularly through the Nrf2/PPARγ/SOD2 pathways, to provide a scientific basis for its application in ALI treatment.MethodsCCl4-induced ALI models in animals were used to evaluate DDB's therapeutic effects via biochemical and pathological analyses. The regulation of the Nrf2/PPARγ/SOD2 axis and mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) by DDB was observed through WB, RT-qPCR, and Mito-SOX assays, which was confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. JASPAR predictions and ChIP assays validated PPARγ's regulation of SOD2. DDB’s interaction with Keap1 was assessed by molecular docking, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS).ResultsDDB effectively suppressed MLKL activation and significantly alleviated ALI. DDB also upregulated Nrf2/PPARγ/SOD2 expression and reduced mtROS production. Further studies using pharmacological approaches showed that PPARγ activation increased SOD2 expression, reduced p-MLKL, and lowered mtROS levels. Conversely, PPARγ inhibition reversed these effects and diminished DDB's efficacy. Silencing Nrf2 in vivo decreased PPARγ/SOD2 expression and activated MLKL, counteracting DDB's protective effects. Overexpression of Nrf2 prevented the decrease in PPARγ/SOD2 protein expression induced by CCl4, and inhibited mtROS release and MLKL activation, indicating that Nrf2 regulates p-MLKL via the PPARγ/SOD2/mtROS axis to suppress necroptosis. Analysis using JASPAR revealed that the SOD2 promoter contains a PPARγ response element. ChIP assays showed that Nrf2 activated SOD2 through PPARγ, not directly transcriptionally regulated SOD2. Further studies demonstrated that DDB interacted with Keap1 to promote Nrf2 nuclear translocation, thereby protecting the liver from damage.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that DDB inhibits mtROS and p-MLKL through the Nrf2/PPARγ/SOD2 signaling axis, thereby suppressing necroptosis and ameliorating ALI.Graphical Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-025-01241-8.

Introduction . Synthesized in the 1950s, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a highly effective hepatoprotective drug. UDCA is well known for its pleiotropic properties with litholytic, hypocholestatic, immunomodulatory, antiapoptotic and other effects. The purpose of the work is to discuss the pharmacological effects of UDCA and its clinical use in the most common liver and gallbladder diseases. Materials and methods . This is a narrative review of the most relevant national and foreign publications focused on UDCA. The literature search was performed in PubMed, eLibrary.ru and printed sources from 1981 to 2025. Results and discussion . Multitarget prophylactic and therapeutic action of UDCA includes hepatoprotective effect in viral and alcoholic hepatitis, improvement of clinical and laboratory parameters in cholestasis, a decrease in cholesterol levels in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a litholytic effect in biliary sludge and cholelithiasis, and a potential ability to prevent cancer of the liver and the entire digestive tract. Conclusion . UDCA has a broad spectrum of the beneficial effects in hepatobiliary and concomitant cardiometabolic pathology. Multitarget action together with high safety profile allow the drug to be widely used in the treatment of comorbid gastroenterological patients.

Integrated network pharmacology and in vivo experimental approaches unveil the modulatory effect of telmisartan on autophagy in a rat model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Co-administration of berberine and evodiamine: Mitigating evodiamine-induced hepatotoxicity and potentiating colitis treatment.

Development of Thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as potent RIPK2 inhibitors with Prominent In vitro and In vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy.

Background/Objectives: Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) is an adaptogenic plant widely recognized for its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties; however its hepatoprotective potential properties are unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate whether the fruit extract of E. senticosus contains chemical constituents with hepatoprotective effects in a paracetamol-induced liver injury model in mice. Methods: Female BALB/c mice were randomized into five groups: control, paracetamol (300 mg/kg, IP), E. senticosus extract (750 or 1500 mg/kg, PO) + paracetamol, and silymarin (50 mg/kg) + paracetamol. Extracts were administered for seven days before paracetamol challenge. Biochemical markers (ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, protein, albumin) and hematological parameters were assessed, and organs were subjected to histopathological examination. Phytochemical characterization of the extract was performed using UHPLC-DAD-MS and ICP-OES. Results: The 750 mg/kg dose of E. senticosus extract maintained ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine levels close to control values, while the higher dose (1500 mg/kg) was less effective and showed an increase in serum urea. Both extract doses and silymarin attenuated creatinine elevation induced by paracetamol. No histopathological changes were detected in the kidneys or brains of treated animals. Phytochemical analysis revealed high contents of phenolic acids (chlorogenic and dicaffeoylquinic acids), flavonoids, amino acids, and essential minerals. Conclusions: E. senticosus fruit extract demonstrated a hepatoprotective effect at an optimal dose (750 mg/kg), indicating a potential dose-dependent effect. The absence of histopathological alterations in key organs supports the fruit extract’s safety.

Trans-chalcone affects schistosomula and adult worms by impairing membrane integrity and attenuates the effects of Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis.

Xuetonlignans E-K, unusual spirobenzofuranoid dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans with hepatoprotective activity from the roots of Kadsura heteroclita.

Effects of Abrus cantoniensis capsule on gut microbiota and intestinal barrier in mice infected with alveolar echinococcosis.

Protective Effects of Oleuropein Against Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Toxicity in Aged Rats.