Hepatoprotective Properties Research Articles

Synergies of bioactivities, mechanisms, dietary factors and functional food applications of medicinal insulin plant (Costus pictus D.): a review

SummaryModernisation has significantly altered lifestyles, particularly eating habits, contributing to the increase of chronic diseases, with diabetes mellitus being a predominant metabolic disorder. Medicinal herbs such as Costus pictus (C. pictus), commonly known as the Insulin plant, offer a promising approach to managing these conditions. It is a perennial plant from the Costaceae family rich in proteins, fibres, minerals (K, Ca, Cr, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn), and bioactive compounds. This review highlighted the plant's potential in mitigating chronic diseases and metabolic disorders due to its diverse bioactivities, including hepatoprotective, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties. These benefits are primarily attributed to its phytochemicals, mainly flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The antidiabetic mechanism involves suppressing metabolic enzymes essential for carbohydrate metabolism, while its antioxidant activity helps reduce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels implicated in various diseases. Furthermore, C. pictus can be incorporated into functional foods such as bakery and confectionery products, functional drinks, and edible coatings. We discussed the dietary factors, bioactivities, and underlying mechanisms associated with Costus pictus D., emphasising its applicability in functional food formulations. The synthesis of current research highlights the plant's role in modulating glucose metabolism, enhancing antioxidant defences, and its potential in mitigating diseases such as diabetes. By delving into the synergies between its dietary factors and bioactivities, this review aims to elucidate the multifaceted benefits of Costus pictus D., thereby fostering its integration into sustainable agricultural practises and contributing to public health nutrition.

Mechanisms and Future Perspectives of Curcumin in Diabetes Management

Background: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that leads to significant damage to vital organs due to prolonged high blood glucose levels. These complications include cardiovascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy (eye damage), nephropathy (kidney damage), myopathy, and foot infections. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common form of diabetes, primarily affecting adults when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when insulin production by the pancreas is insufficient. Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a spice widely used around the world, has been traditionally recognized for its numerous health benefits, including antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. Among its active compounds, curcumin, a polyphenolic curcuminoid, has garnered significant attention for its potential role in managing diabetes and its complications. Methods: Data for this review were obtained from databases including PubMed, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Search terms utilized included "diabetes," "type 2 diabetes," "diabetic complications," "turmeric," "curcumin," "oxidative stress and curcumin," "curcumin and nephropathy," "curcumin and retinopathy," "curcumin and neuropathy," "curcumin and cardiovascular diseases," "curcumin and cardiomyopathy," “curcumin and pyroptosis,” "curcumin and diabetic foot ulcer," and "curcumin and erectile dysfunction." Results: This review highlights the promising role of curcumin in transforming diabetes treatment and management. The findings demonstrate that curcumin offers protective effects against diabetic complications by modulating key signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, AMPK, MAPK, and AP-1. Its anti-inflammatory properties, inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis, and reduction of oxidative stress through antioxidant activity present a strong case for its therapeutic potential in diabetes care. Conclusion: This review provides an in-depth explanation of curcumin's mechanisms of action, detailing its medicinal effects on diabetes-related complications and key outcomes from preclinical and clinical studies supporting its potential benefits. It also outlines future directions for research into curcumin's role in diabetes treatment.

Hepatoprotective Activity of Gingko biloba‐Mediated TiO2 NPs Against Acetaminophen‐Induced Albino Rats‐ In Vitro Studies

AbstractNumerous effects of “titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs)” have been described and significantly utilized in complementary drugs for many decades. This study is conducted to analyze the therapeutic efficiency of TiO2 NPs against the acetaminophen‐(AMP) induced toxicity. TiO2 NPs were initially prepared using Ginkgo biloba leaf extract as reducing and stabilizing agent. The prepared TiO2 NPs were studied using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. AFM, TEM, XRD, and DLS studies have confirmed the formation of TiO2 NPs with size between 20 to 60 nm with negative surface charge of about −12 mV. Later, hepatoprotective studies were performed by administering AMP to albino mice only once at a dosage of 2 g/kg p.o. Post 24 h of AMP intoxication, the animals were treated orally with three different doses of TiO2 NPs (150, 100, and 50 mg/kg) or silymarin at an amount of 50 mg/kg p.o., administered only once. Post 24 h of last treatment, all the animals were surrendered to death. The group of mice administered with AMP displayed a substantial raise in the serum alkaline phosphatase (560 ± 31.90), lactate dehydrogenase (167 ± 10.17), aspartate amino transferase (251 ± 14.82), alanine amino transferase (326 + 18.96), bilirubin (2.2 ± 1.066), cholesterol (96.7 ± 6.2), and albumin (6.0 ± 1.27) in serum, which signified the liver damage. A considerably depleted level of glutathione (5.4 + 1.24) was detected in the mice intoxicated with AMP. The activities of catalase (33.2 ± 2.66) and superoxide dismutase (36 ± 2.93) declined after exposure to acetaminophen, resulting in oxidative stress in liver. The performance of adenosine triphosphatase (901 ± 50.7) and glucose‐6‐phosphatase (3.9 + 1.15) were considerably inhibited after administrating with AMP. On treating with TiO2 NPs, all the variables reversed significantly towards regular levels and were noticed to be nontoxic. The groups treated with TiO2 NPs exhibited less activity of ALT, AST, LDH, and SALP in serum, indicating the protective effect of TiO2 NPs to prevent liver damage. Exposure with TiO2 NPs inverted the cholesterol, albumin, and bilirubin levels towards normal, which is similar to silymarin treatment. TiO2 NPs exhibited a substantial change in tissue and blood biochemical parameters with that of control groups. These results indicate that TiO2 NPs possesses hepatoprotective properties that mitigate the hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen in rats. Hence, TiO2 NPs can be further utilized in the preparation of medicine against hepatic and renal diseases, post further clinical and preclinical studies.

Clam-derived exosome-like nanovesicles alleviate alcohol-induced liver injury by improving mitochondrial function

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a common chronic liver disease worldwide that urgently needs safe and effective strategies. Clams are popular seafood with hepatoprotective effects, while the effective components and mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that clam-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (CENs) ameliorated alcohol-induced liver injury by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Results showed that CENs exhibited exosome-like morphology with a particle size of 120.08 ± 1.60 nm. Mass spectrometry revealed that CENs naturally carry multiple functional lipids and proteins. Furthermore, CENs were found to survive in the gastrointestinal environment and accumulate in the liver of mice following oral administration. Importantly, administration of CENs effectively alleviated alcohol-induced liver injury and hepatocyte death in mice by restoring mitochondrial function, as indicated by increased ATP levels, enhanced mitochondrial complex I activity, and reduced mitochondrial ROS production. Further cell experiments indicated that CENs could be phagocytosed by HepG2 cells and effectively alleviated alcohol-induced hepatocyte apoptosis by inhibiting mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Collectively, these results indicate that CENs possess potent hepatoprotective properties and may serve as a novel functional ingredient for managing alcoholic liver disease.

Functional Identification of the Terpene Synthase Family Involved in Biosynthesis in Paeonia lactiflora.

The root of Paeonia lactiflora pall. is a significant component of traditional Chinese medicine, with terpenoids and their glycosides, such as paeoniflorins, serving as key active ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and analgesic properties. By generating a transcriptome and functionally characterizing 32 terpene synthases (TPSs) from P. lactiflora, we successfully constructed 24 pESC-Trp-PlTPS expression vectors. Through expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae engineered strains, we identified four mono-TPSs and five sesqui-TPSs that produce 18 compounds, including eight monoterpenes and ten sesquiterpenes in vitro. This includes a bifunctional enzyme (PlTPS22). Additionally, PlTPS21 was characterized as a pinene synthase with α-pinene as its main product. The expression pattern of PlTPS21 aligns closely with the accumulation patterns of paeoniflorins and α-pinene in the plant, suggesting that PlTPS21 is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of paeoniflorin.

Isoorientin Promotes Early Porcine Embryonic Development by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Improving Lipid Metabolism

Isoorientin (ISO) is a natural lignan glycoside flavonoid found in various plants, including Charcot and Stonecrop. ISO exhibits diverse physiological and pharmacological effects, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antiviral, antianxiety, and anti-myocardial ischaemic properties, as well as lipid metabolism regulation. This study investigated the impact of ISO supplementation on oxidative stress and lipid accumulation in porcine early embryos, along with its underlying mechanisms. Porcine embryos were cultured in vitro under different concentrations of ISO (0, 1, 10, and 100 nM). The results revealed that 10 nM ISO significantly enhanced the blastocyst rate and total embryonic cell count in vitro. ISO-treated embryos exhibited reduced reactive oxygen species levels and elevated glutathione levels compared to the untreated group. In addition, ISO treatment significantly increased the expression of the key antioxidant regulator Nrf2, improved mitochondrial function, and reduced lipid droplet accumulation. Concurrently, early embryo autophagy and apoptosis levels decreased. Furthermore, ISO treatment upregulated antioxidant-related genes (SOD1, SOD2, and CAT) and mitochondrial biogenesis related genes (NRF1, NRF2, and SIRT1), while downregulating lipid synthesis-related genes (SREBP1 and FASN). Additionally, lipid hydrolysis-related genes (ACADS) were elevated. These findings collectively suggest that ISO may facilitate early embryonic development in pigs by ameliorating oxidative stress and lipid metabolism.

Differences in the Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds between Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. and Chrysanthemum indicum L. (Wild Chrysanthemum) by HS-GC-IMS.

Chrysanthemums and wild chrysanthemums are herbs with high application value. As edible plants of the Asteraceae family, they have good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. Chrysanthemums and wild chrysanthemums contain a wide variety of volatile organic compounds, and these volatile components are the main factors contributing to the flavor differences. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the volatile components of holland chrysanthemum from Bozhou, Anhui Province, Chu-chrysanthemum from Chuzhou, Anhui Province, Gong-chrysanthemums from Huangshan, Anhui Province, Huai-chrysanthemums from Jiaozuo, Henan Province, Hang-chrysanthemum from Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and wild chrysanthemum from Dabie Mountain by headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) coupled with principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that Chrysanthemum and wild chrysanthemum contain alcohols, esters, hydrocarbons, ketones, aldehydes, acids, camphor, pyrazines and furans. Among them, alcohols, esters and hydrocarbons accounted for more than 15%. It was hypothesized that 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-methylbutanol, 1-hexanol in alcohols and hexyl acetate, 3-methylbutyl acetate and ethyl 2-methylpropanoate in esters might be the main reasons for the alcoholic and sweet flavors of chrysanthemum and chrysanthemum officinale. Based on the principal component analysis, cluster analysis with the Euclidean distance and similarity analysis of fingerprints, it was found that there were significant differences in the volatile components in chrysanthemums from different origins, among which the differences between Chu-chrysanthemum and Hang-chrysanthemum were the most significant. In addition, as a genus of wild chrysanthemum with the same species, it contains a richer variety of volatile organic compounds, and the content of hydrocarbons and alcohols is significantly higher than that of chrysanthemum.

An Overview of Pharmacological Profile of Flavonoids as Potential Molecules of Therapeutic Importance

Abstract: A growing number of research investigations have shown the multiple health benefits of flavonoids derived from plants, leading to interest in the field. Many recent studies have concentrated on flavonoids effects on human health. Flavonoids are effective against a wide spectrum of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Numerous flavonoids have been demonstrated to possess antioxidative, free radical scavenging, hepatoprotective, antiinflammatory, anticancer, and coronary heart disease preventive properties. Some of novel flavonoids having therapeutic potential as new medication have been identified which include hesperetin-5′-O-β-rhamnoglucoside, Resveratrol, Astragalin (AST) Desmodinosides A-E: New Flavonoid C-glycosides, Apigenin, Luteolin, and Baicalein, rutin, hyperoside etc. Some recent developments including clinical trials of a few of the flavonoids discussed in the review provide a novel library of pharmacologically potential molecules which provides a paradigm for the treatment of several ailments such as SARS-CoV-2, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, angina pectoris, Hepatitis C virus and Sickle cell disease (SCD) etc. The present review aims at updating recent flavonoid advancements for various pharmacological actions, from conventional therapeutic implications to upcoming clinical trials. We encourage researchers to focus on flavonoids for a variety of medicinal applications since the industrial acceptance of these compounds will determine the future growth of this field.

Dihydromyricetin Improves High Glucose-Induced Dopaminergic Neuronal Damage by Activating AMPK-Autophagy Signaling Pathway.

In recent years, a growing number of clinical and biological studies have shown that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD). Prolonged exposure to hyperglycemia results in abnormal glucose metabolism, which in turn causes pathological changes similar to PD, leading to selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the compact part of the substantia nigra. Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a naturally occurring flavonoid with various biological activities including antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. In this study, the effect of DHM on high glucose-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage was investigated. The potential modulatory effects of DHM on high glucose-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage and its mechanism were studied. DHM ameliorated high glucose-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage and autophagy injury. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine abrogated the beneficial effects of DHM on high glucose-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage. In addition, DHM increased levels of p-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphorylated UNC51-like kinase 1. The AMPK inhibitor compound C eliminated DHM-induced autophagy and subsequently inhibited the ameliorative effects of DHM on high glucose-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage. DHM ameliorates high glucose-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage by activating the AMPK-autophagy pathway.

Preliminary Screening of Various Parameters for Design and Development of Kumaryasava Formulation.

Ayurveda is the most popular traditional system among these and this indigenous system originated from India. Kumaryasava (KS) is a very popular arista in our state, probably due to their taste, alcoholic content, medicinal uses and physiological importance. The quality assessment of ayurvedic formulation is of prime importance in justifying their acceptability when compared with the modern system of medicine. A study reported that the therapeutic efficacy of herbal formulation always depends on its method of preparation and hence, there is need to develop a formulation with statistical optimization. The constituents essential for preparation of KS involve dravya, dravadravya, sandhaneeya dravya, prakshepa Dravya and madhura dravya. The other ingredients in formulation were selected based on in silico molecular docking for the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. In this article attempt is made to describe the screening of Kumaryasava formulation for optimization of the concentration of sweetening agent, fermentation duration and fermentation temperature for alcohol generated and selection of various excipients that affect formulation efficacy. According to the preliminary screening study it was observed that the sugar concentration 35 to 40%, fermentation time 30 days for ghataki flowers and fermentation temperature 25℃ has reported considerably significant results for alcohol content analyzed by gas chromatography. The preliminary screening parameters of KS formulation will be applied effectively for the development of formulation with a statistical approach.

Assessment of intranasal in-situ gel efficacy of ethanolic extract of Mimosa pudica for anxiolytic and antidepressant activity: Formulation optimization and stability studies.

This research delves into the therapeutic potential of Mimosa pudica, known as chuimui or lajwanti in Hindi, for alleviating anxiety and depression, capitalizing on its diverse pharmacological activities. Renowned for analgesic, antidiarrheal, antiinflammatory, hepatoprotective, antiasthmatic, anti-ulcer, and antioxidant properties, the plant emerges as a promising herbal remedy for mental health. The study specifically accentuates its antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, aiming for minimal side effects compared to synthetic alternatives. Pre-formulation considerations involve optimizing the concentration of polymer for in-situ gelation. Preliminary phytochemical screening unveils the presence of bioactive compounds, including terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, quinines, phenols, tannins, and saponins, known for modulating neurotransmission and exhibiting anxiolytic effects. The concentration of deacetylated gellan gum for gelation is fine-tuned using simulated nasal fluid, emphasizing minimal viscosity. Compatibility studies using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirm the absence of significant drug-polymer interactions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) provides insights into thermal behavior. Six trial batches with varying concentrations are prepared, and final formulations are evaluated for different physicochemical parameters. Stability studies are conducted under different conditions for three months. The comprehensive investigation aims to inspire advanced research into the manifold benefits of Mimosa pudica, particularly in mental health treatment, paving the way for potential herbal formulations with reduced side effects.

Discrimination of Abrus cantoniensis Hance and Abrus mollis Hance using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS and assessment of their in vivo hepatoprotective effects

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn Guangzhou and Guangxi, China, Abrus cantoniensis Hance (AH) is known for its liver-protective properties and is commonly used in herbal teas and soups. In the herbal market and pharmaceutical preparations, AH and Abrus mollis Hance (AMH) are often used interchangeable. Despite their morphological and usage similarities, distinguishing their differences is essential for scientific research and clinical practice. Aim of the studyThis study focuses on the morphological identification, chemical composition, and hepatoprotective effectiveness of AH and AMH. It aims to evaluate their interchangeable use and provide a rationale for this practice. This research helps regulate the market of AH medicinal materials, ensuring clinical safety and effectiveness. Materials and methodsSamples of AH and AMH roots, stems, leaves, and seeds were collected and photographed using a stereoscope and digital imaging system. The chemical components of AH and AMH were qualitatively analyzed using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. Chemometric techniques, such as PCA and OPLS-DA, were employed to discern the componential differences between the two species. A CCl4-induced acute liver injury mouse model was developed to assess hepatoprotective effects. The hepatoprotective properties of AH and AMH were evaluated by analyzing the liver index, H&E staining, changes in serum liver function indicators (TBIL, ALT, AST), and concentrations of SOD, MDA in liver homogenate. ResultsThe root color, texture, stem diameter, cross-sectional characteristics, leaf shape, and seed morphology of the two plants were observed. Notable differences were identified, which can be used for accurate identification. The UPLC-Q/TOF-MS identified 50 compounds in both species, which were classified into 3 alkaloids, 22 flavonoids, 2 triterpenes, 10 triterpene saponins, 10 amides, and 3 others, and 20 different compounds between AH and AMH were screened by chemometrics. By improving serum biomarkers (ALT, AST, TBIL) and regulating oxidative stress markers (SOD, MDA), the alleviating effect of AH and AMH extracts on liver injury was confirmed. Notably, AH showed a stronger liver protective effect, significantly reducing ALT and AST levels more than AMH. ConclusionThis study enhances understanding of the morphological identification, chemical profiling, and hepatoprotective effects of AH and AMH. It provides a reference for future scientific research and the clinical application of AH in treating liver damage.

Beneficial Effects of Tyrosol and Oleocanthal from Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Liver Health: Insights into Their Mechanisms of Action.

The Mediterranean diet and consumption of EVOO are associated with multiple beneficial effects for human health, e.g. reduction in cardiovascular risk and mortality, improvement in the lipid profile, and the prevention of chronic diseases, such as cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. In EVOO, more than 30 different phenolic-derived compounds have been identified, representing one of the most promising bioactive classes in olive oil. This review explores the hepatoprotective properties of two of these compounds, tyrosol and oleocanthal, focusing on their mechanisms of action. Recent studies have shown that these compounds, which share a similar chemical structure with a hydroxyl group attached to an aromatic hydrocarbon ring, can potentially mitigate chronic liver diseases, such as MASLD and liver fibrosis, as well as their progression to liver cancer. Consequently, they deserve attention for future pharmacological drug development. In vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that these compounds exert these effects through the regulation of cellular pathways involved in antioxidant response, lipid metabolism, transcription factor activity, and NF-κB signaling. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective properties of tyrosol and oleocanthal may provide valuable information for the development of therapeutic agents based on their chemical structures capable of targeting chronic liver diseases.

New compounds with a dihydropyridine framework as promising hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective agents

Introduction: To solve the problem of complex and safe pharmacological correction of metabolic disorders, including hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and liver lesions is currently very important. With this in mind, the new derivatives of cyanothioacetamide with a dihydropyridine framework, with a potential effect on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and the functioning of the liver are of great interest. Materials and Methods: To conduct an experiment, three samples were selected from an extensive library of new cyanothioacetamide derivatives, which, according to in silico studies, proved promising towards the positive effect on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as towards the protective effect on the liver. To study the compounds in vivo, metabolic disorders were simulated in Wistar rats by long -term alimentary and subsequent dexamethasone loads. The pharmacological efficacy of new compounds AZ-383, AZ-257, AZ-020 (administered in a dose of 1 mg/kg for 14 days) was assessed in comparison with metformin (300 mg/kg for 14 days) and vildagliptin (8 mg/kg for 14 days) by determining the biochemical indicators of blood (ALT, AST, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose), morphological and morphometric studies of the liver sections, and the study of immunohistochemical indicators of hepatocyte proliferation. The experimental results were statistically processed using the recognized methods of mathematical statistics. When processing the experimental data, the average arithmetic (AA) was determined. The statistical significance of the compared options was determined on the basis of the Student’s t-test, with the critical value of the Student’s t-test equal to 2.101 and the significance level α = 0.05. Results: The study shows that all the new compounds studied in the experiment – AZ-383, AZ-257, AZ-020 – have hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective properties, which manifested in the reduced levels of liver biochemical markers of blood, which had increased after simulating metabolic disorders, in the reduced concentration of total cholesterol and triglycerides in blood, in the normalization of liver microarchitecture, as well as in the proliferative activity of hepatocytes. Discussion: The hepatoprotective and hypolypidemic properties of the new derivatives of cyanothioacetamide with a dihydropyridine framework, which were determined while conducting the experiment, can be accounted for by their effects on the biotargets, identified for AZ-383, AZ-257, and AZ-020 in silico. According to the results, the most pronounced hepatoprotective activity was found in AZ-383 (intragastrically, 1 mg/kg for 14 days). The Ki-67 proliferation index under the influence of this compound was registered at the level of 1.48±0.03%, which exceeds this indicator in the control animals and proves a significant hepatoprotective activity of AZ-383. Conclusion: The results show good prospects and high efficacy of the new studied cyanothioacetamide derivatives, such as AZ-383, AZ-257, AZ-020 (in a dose of 1 mg/kg), in terms of comprehensive correction of metabolic disorders. Further study is needed for this class of compounds.

An Assessment of Hepatoprotective Activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra Root Extract against Hepatic Injured Rodent Model

Hepatotoxicity, or liver damage, is caused by hepatotoxins, which can originate from chemicals, dietary supplements, prescription drugs, and medicinal plants. Nowadays, medicinal and aromatic plants are excellent resources for creating novel drugs and curing both psychological and physical illnesses. Given this, licorice, a perennial herb, rich in properties of potential health advantages have been investigated with CCl4 induced hepatic injury on the rodent model to assess its hepatoprotective potential. The study results demonstrated an altered hepatic condition with reduced CCl4 concentration in the liver. The study results show a significant (p<0.05) decrease only at high dosages in SGPT, creatinine level, and total body cholesterol whereas, for low and medium doses, non-significant alleviations were noticed in a dose-dependent manner when compared with the negative control group. Besides, SGOT, urea, LDL, and triglyceride levels were observed with a dose-dependent and non-significant decrease compared to the negative control group. Consequently, more research is required to properly use licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) as a less hazardous and more effective substitute for synthetic medications in the field of hepatotoxic therapy, given that it has been found to have potential hepatoprotective properties against hepatotoxicity in this study.

An Assessment of Hepato-protective Activity of Hygrophila auriculata Root Extract against Hepatic Injured Rodent Model

Liver is a crucial organ that is susceptible to several hepatotoxins causing hepato-toxicities. These days, medicinal plants have been considered to be more promising compared with the conventionally utilized medications for hepatic treatments. In light of the dire circumstances affecting worldwide currently, Hygrophila auriculata is a vital plant with an abundance of health advantages and hepatoprotective properties. In this experiment, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was utilized to cause hepatotoxicity in rats and this plant's anti-hepatotoxic activity was evaluated through assessing the outcomes of several parameters (Liver functioning tests, kidney functioning tests and lipid profiles). Subsequent research revealed that the plant may, to varying degrees and in a dependent way, successfully restore the disrupted pathological state to healthy status. To interpret statistical analysis, the "One-way Anova test" was conducted using the SPSS 16 software. In the case of SGPT, the medium and high dose produced statistically significant (p<0.05) outcomes as compared to the negative control group and for SGOT decrease in all three groups were non-significant (p>0.05). Then for creatinine levels, the outcome for medium, and high dosages were statistically significant (p<0.05) whereas in case of urea level only the high dose imparted significant (p<0.05) decrease. However, none of the dosages for total cholesterol and triglyceride level produced statistically significant (p<0.05) effects. Only in the medium and high doses, HDL levels improved statistically significantly (p<0.05) whereas only the high dosages reduced reduce the LDL quantity in the blood significantly (p<0.05). As a result, Hygrophila auriculata is thought to possess a significant capacity for liver protection and may serve as a more secure and effective substitute for the commercially available synthetic medication, silymarin. To sum up, additional research is required in the future before this appealing plant could get utilized in the arena of hepatotoxic treatments.

Silver Nanoparticles Loaded with Bark Extract of Sterculia foetida: Their Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Anti-bacterial Activity Evaluation

Sterculia foetida is a subject of interest in many scientific fields as researchers look for novel treatments because of its varied medicinal qualities and chemical richness. Terpenoids are aromatic and aliphatic chemicals with anti-bacterial properties and can prevent free radical damage. They are present in S. foetida extract. Moreover, it possesses immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. This work aims to green synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the anti-bacterial activity of Sterculia foetida bark extract-loaded silver nanoparticles. Chemicals like Methanol, Petroleum Ether, and water have been used to extract the phytoconstituents from the plant bark. AgNO3 and Silver have been used to synthesize the nanoparticles. Instruments like ATR-IR Spectrophotometer, UV- spectrophotometer, DLS, and SEM instruments have been used to characterize the nanoparticles. Bacterial strains like Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC-6538), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), saline water, AMX30, swab stick, inoculation loop, susceptibility scale have been used for studying the anti-bacterial activity. DLS and zeta potential analysis demonstrated the creation of stable nanoparticles with a particle size of 79 nm. The anti-bacterial activity of AgNPs with the methanolic bark extract showed significant anti-bacterial activity compared to the standard marketed drug AMX30. The highest zone of inhibition was observed against gram-positive bacteria S.aureus (1.68 cm) and gram-negative bacteria E.coli (1.74 cm), respectively, at 500 μg/ml concentration. The study concludes that greenly synthesized S. foetida bark extract containing nanoparticles is a potential anti-bacterial agent, especially against gram-negative bacteria. Further, in vivo studies are needed to establish its potential. Keywords: Sterculia foetida, Green synthesis, Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs), ATR-IR, DLS, SEM, Zeta-potential, Anti-bacterial.

ANTILEISHMANIAL EFFICACY OF HERACLEUM PERSICUM DESF. EX. FISCH. EXTRACTS AGAINST LEISHMANIA TROPICA PROMASTIGOTES

Background: Heracleum persicum known as “suhotu” is widely distributed in Adana, Hakkari Van and used in the production of famous Van herb cheese. The antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, antiepileptic, hepatoprotective, and antifungal properties were previously investigated on H. persicum extracts. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the in vitro antiLeishmanial potential of H. persicum extracts prepared by solvents having different polarities. Methods: The extracts of aerial parts of H. persicum were obtained by maceration, and in vitro antiLeishmanial efficacy was assayed on L. tropica promastigotes using CellTiter-Glo® Cell Viability assay. Results: The diethylether extract of H. persicum was found to be the most active extract on L. tropica promastigotes with IC50 value at 151.6 µg/ml. The n-hexane extract with 160.2 µg/ml IC50 value exhibited higher antiLeishmanial activity than methanol, ethylacetate and etanol extracts which had IC50 values at 229, 343.5, and 4708 µg/ml, respectively Conclusions: The n-hexane and the diethylether extracts of H. persicum which showed remarkable in vitro antiLeishmanial activities could constitute a valuable source for leishmanicidal compounds. Peer Review History: Received 24 May 2024; Reviewed 11 July 2024; Accepted 21 August; Available online 15 September 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia, ahmad.najib@umi.ac.id Dr. Sangeetha Arullappan, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, sangeetha@utar.edu.my

Determination of ursolic acid in ethanolic extract of Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane & Mabb. by HPLC method

Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane & Mabb. a plant having significant medicinal value is used in treating a fever, rheumatism, inflammation, pain, and malarial fever. Ursolic acid has a five-ringed pentacyclic structure belongs to the family of triterpenoids. It has antioxidant, antitumor, and hepato-protective properties. The method in HPLC was developed on a SHIMADZU, Shimpack ODS (25 cm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column. The mobile phase consisted of a 70:25:5 (v/v/v) mixture of methanol, acetonitrile, and 0.02 M ammonium acetate buffer (pH 3.5). A flow rate of 1.2 mL/min and λmax of 215 nm. Ursolic acid from the extract and standard was eluted at the same retention time of 4.1 min. 20–120 µg/mL was the linearity range chosen and was found to be linear (R 2=0.996). The value of LOD was 0.85 µg/mL and LOQ was 1.96 µg/mL. The method for analysis of ursolic was found to be accurate with good repeatability.

Exploring the hepatoprotective properties of citronellol: In vitro and in silico studies on ethanol-induced damage in HepG2 cells.

Citronellol (CT) is a monoterpene alcohol present in the essential oil of plants of the genus Cymbopogon and exhibits diverse pharmacological activities. The aim of the current study was to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of CT against ethanol-induced toxicity in HepG2 cell lines. Silymarin (SIL) was used as a standard drug. MTT, crystal violet assay, DAPI, and PI staining were carried out to assess the effect of ethanol and CT on cell viability. RT-PCR determined the molecular mechanisms of hepatoprotective action of CT. CT ameliorated cell viability and restricted ethanol-induced cell death. DAPI and PI staining showed distinct differences in cell number and morphology. Less cell viability was observed in the diseased group obviously from strong PI staining when compared to the CT- and SIL-treated group. Moreover, CT showed downregulation of interleukin (IL-6), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), collagen type 1 A 1 (COL1A1), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and glutathione peroxidase-7 (GPX-7) levels. Molecular docking studies supported the biochemical findings. It is concluded that the cytoprotective activity of CT against ethanol-induced toxicity might be explained by its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and collagen-regulating effects.