Potent Hepatoprotective Activity Research Articles

Eight new phenylethanoid glycoside derivatives possessing potential hepatoprotective activities from the fruits of Forsythia suspensa

In our study to investigate components with hepatoprotective activities, eight new phenylethanoid glycoside derivatives (1–8) were isolated from the 75% EtOH–H2O extract of the fruits of Forsythia suspensa along with six known compounds (9–14). These new structures were elucidated through HRESIMS and extensive NMR spectroscopic techniques. The absolute configurations of their sugars were determined by GC analysis. The pharmacological assay showed that compounds 2, 3, and 9–11 displayed remarkable hepatoprotective activities against N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP)-induced HepG2 cell damage at the concentration of 10μM (Bicyclol as positive contrast).

Phytochemical Investigation, Antitumor Activity, and Hepatoprotective Effects of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius Leaf Extract.

Preclinical Research Nine known phenolic compounds were isolated from an aqueous methanolic extract of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius Weight and Arn leaves (AFL) family Fabaceae. This extract of AFL contained approximately 169 mg gallic acid/g as assessed by HPLC. The AFL extract had marginal antitumor activity (IC50 > 200 µL/mL) but showed a concentration-dependent hepatoprotective effect against CCl4 -induced hepatotoxicity in vitro. Cell viability was increased, ALT and AST activity declined and reduced GSH concentration and SOD activity were restored as compared with silymarin. In vivo concurrent administration of AFL extract (500 mg/kg po) showed a hepatoprotective effect against gamma irradiation and CCl4 as evidenced by reduction of TNF-α, interleukin-6, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activity, and downregulation of its m-RNA level and decreased proapoptotic protein Bax expression. AFL extract enhanced glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities, reduced glutathione concentrations and upregulated the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2. The extract could ameliorate hepatic injuries induced by gamma irradiation and CCl4 in rats suggesting potent hepatoprotective activity. Drug Dev Res 78 : 210-226, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ameliorative effect of Ficus dalhousiae Miq. (Moraceae) methanolic leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic and renal toxicity

<p>Developing traditional medicine in the field of hepatology and nephrology research is the key to pharmacology. This study demonstrates the mechanism of hepatoprotective and renal protective activity of <em>Ficus dalhousiae</em> Miq. (Moraceae) methanolic leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic and renal toxicity. Shade dried powder was subjected to shoxlet extraction with methanol and assessed for hepatoprotective and renal protective activities. Hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity were induced in rats by single oral dose of CCl<sub>4</sub> diluted with olive oil (1:1 v/v; ml/kg body weight) after pretreatment of methanolic extract for seven days. Sixteen hrs after CCl<sub>4</sub> administration, rats were sacrificed and biochemical markers like Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) estimated followed by the measurement of liver and kidney cytosolic antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The data were analysed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The extract at the doses of 150 and mg/kg b.w. significantly reduces elevated levels of ALT, AST, ALP and LDH. The extracts also showed significant increase in the reduced level of SOD, CAT and GSH. The ROS activity also found down regulated. The activity of methanolic extracts were comparable with the standard Silymarin. These findings not only showed potential hepatoprotective and renal protective activities of <em>Ficus dalhousiae</em> but also manifested by restoring antioxidant enzymes. With this pilot study we can justify the medicinal importance of this plant.</p>

Cytoprotective effects of diallyl trisulfide against valproate-induced hepatotoxicity: new anticonvulsant strategy.

Sodium valproate (VP) is an important antiepileptic drug, although it can produce deleterious hepatotoxic reactions. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is the principle component of garlic oil that possesses antioxidant properties. This study explored the potential hepatoprotective activity of DATS against VP-induced hepatic damage and its underlying mechanisms. In addition, the study assessed the effect of DATS on VP antiepileptic activity. Rats were given DATS once daily at two different doses along with VP for 2weeks. Results have shown the ability of DATS to counteract VP-induced hepatic damage as it decreased elevated serum transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) and alkaline phosphatase. Liver histopathology indicated that DATS preserved the hepatic structural integrity and protected against VP-induced hepatic steatosis and necro-inflammation injury. DATS ameliorated VP-induced oxidative stress and increased the antioxidant capacity of the liver. Immunohistochemical analysis showed activation of nuclear factor kappa-B along with high expression of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) upon VP administration. This was accompanied by overproduction of proinflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6). Tracing the apoptotic pathway, VP administration induced marked apoptosis using TUNEL staining. Furthermore, VP-treated animals exhibited high immunoexpression of Bax protein and increased levels of Bax and caspase-3 while level of Bcl2 was significantly decreased in hepatic tissue. However, DATS simultaneous treatment counteracted all of these molecular pathological changes. Using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures model in mice, the effect of DATS on the anticonvulsant activity of VP was found to be positive, meaning that combination of DATS with VP can confer protection against VP-induced hepatic injurious effects through its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties without affecting VP antiepileptic activity.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective potentials of novel endophytic fungus Achaetomium sp., from Euphorbia hirta

To isolate, identify and evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective potentials, total phenolic content, flavonoid content, tannin content of ethyl acetate extract of endophytic fungus Achaetomium sp., isolated from Euphorbia hirta. Hepatoprotectivity of ethyl acetate extract of Achaetomium sp., was evaluated by CCl4 induced toxicity in HepG2 cells and subsequently analysed for cell viability using MTT assay. It also demonstrates antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials by DPPH radical scavenging assay and well diffusion assay respectively. Quantification of total phenolic content, tannin content and flavonoid content were assessed by spectroscopic methods. Phenols, flavonoids and tannins were the phytochemicals present in ethyl acetate extract of Achaetomium sp., with rich phenolic content exhibited potent hepatoprotective, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The hepatoprotective activity was recorded as of 72.13%±2.948% of cell viability at a concentration of 150μg/mL, whereas the standard silymarin showed 93.260%±0.784%. It was observed to be dose dependent, when CCl4 exposed HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations of ethyl acetate extract. Antibacterial activity showed significant inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The antioxidant activity ranged from 66.890%±1.385% to 87.340%±0.289% with (44.02±1.57) μg of total phenolics, (54.54±1.82) μg of flavonoid content and (18.790±1.018) μg of tannin content. Ascorbic acid, BHT (butylated hydroxyl toluene) Gallic acid and Pyrogallol were used as standards which showed 98.370%±0.763%; 97.080%±0.636%; 94.890%±1.103% and 96.980%±0.098% reducing potential respectively. The results reveal that the metabolites produced by endophytic fungi isolated from Euphorbia hirta could be novel natural products that could lead to new drug discovery.

Flavonoid rutinosides from Cinnamomum parthenoxylon leaves and their hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity

Cinnamomum parthenoxylon tree belongs to the Lauraceae family. In this study, flavonoid rutinosides were isolated from C. parthenoxylon leaves and their hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The EtOAc fraction of C. parthenoxylon leaves showed potent hepatoprotective activity on tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and also higher antioxidant activity. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis revealed that flavonoid rutinosides; rutin, nicotiflorin, and isorhoifolin are major constituents in the EtOAc fraction. The catechol group on B ring in the structure of rutin holds potential for hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity.

Unani Treatment Improved Fibrosis in Decompensated Cirrhosis of Liver: A Case Series

Introduction At present, liver transplantation remains the only curative option for the patients with cirrhosis and end-stage liver diseases. The survival rate and recurrent diseases remains the major issue in the patient post-transplantation. Unani medicine is one of the oldest traditional system of medicine, has been treating chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis [Talayyaful-Kabid] since centuries. The purpose of our study was to assess the impact of Unani treatment in decompensated cirrhosis and collect data to warrant further clinical trials.Case presentation We have conducted a case series with three patients of decompensated cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Cases were confirmed by fibroscan and ultrasound and treated with Unani treatment orally for 3 months. Results were evaluated based on fibroscan, liver function test, EQ5D and TTO-TIME [tradeoff question].Conclusions Significant improvement in liver function test, fibrosis and quality of life were achieved in the patients. We reviewed the literature related to the herbal constituents of chief medicines used for the treatment in this case. The herbs have been proved for its potential anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, immuno-modulator and antiviral activities, suggesting plausible mechanisms of action in these cases. The preliminary findings indicate the potential therapeutic role of Unani treatment in decompensated cirrhosis. Clinical trials should be conducted to explore the further therapeutic potential of Unani treatment in decompensated cirrhosis.

Hepatoprotective activity of aqueous and ethanolic Bixa orellana L. leaf extracts against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity

Background: There is an increasing incidence of liver failure and lack of effective drugs for liver diseases. Aim and Objective: This study identified the phytochemicals present in aqueous and ethanolic Bixa orellana L. leaf extracts and investigated the hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Specifically, the study compared serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and examined liver tissues histopathology. Materials and Methods: Aqueous and ethanolic B. orellana L. leaf extracts were prepared and screened for phytochemical contents. An oral dose of 500 mg/kg body weight was identified from toxicity test and administered to albino mice. Microscopic examination of the liver tissues assessed the extent of hepatic injury. Serum AST and ALT levels were compared using one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc analysis at 5% level of significance using Stata/SE V12.0 software. Results: B. orellana L. leaves contained alkaloids, anthraquinones, sugars, and tannins. Aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of B. orellana L. did not show any toxicity up to 2000 mg/kg body weight oral dose in mice. Pre-treatment for 7 days before CCl4 administration significantly prevented elevation of serum AST and ALT levels with histopathologic findings showing a protective effect on the hepatocytes. Conclusion: B. orellana L. leaves have potent hepatoprotective activity against oxidative damage.

Hepatoprotective Potential of Green Tea Extract against Experimental Hepatotoxicity in Rats

An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of Camellia sinensis or green tea extract and N-acetyl-L-cysteine in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Male Wistar rats (n=24) of 3 mon age were equally divided into 4 groups. Group 1 served as normal control. Hepatotoxicity was induced in the remaining three groups with oral administration of 500 mg/kg of acetaminophen from day 1 to day 3. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were subsequently administered orally with distilled water, 300 mg/kg of N-acetyl-L-cysteine and 100 mg/kg green tea extract, respectively for 11 days. Mean body weights and biomarkers of hepatotoxicity were estimated on days 0, 4 (confirmation of toxicity) 15 (at the end of treatment). Hematological parameters were evaluated on 4 and 15 d. Antioxidant profile and ATPase enzymes were assessed at the end of the experiment. Livers were subjected to histopathology and transmission electron microscopy after the sacrifice on day 15. Antioxidant profile, ATPase, hematological and serobiochemical parameters were significantly altered and histopathological changes were noticed in liver of toxic control group. These changes were reversed in groups 3 and 4 that were administered with N-acetyl-L-cysteine and green tea extract, respectively. The results of the present investigation enunciated that green tea extract has potent hepatoprotective activity, though N-acetyl-L-cysteine was found superior in restoring the pathological alterations in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Protective effect of rutin in comparison to silymarin against induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Aim:The aim of this study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of rutin (RTN) in comparison to silymarin (SLM) against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.Materials and Methods:Male Wistar albino rats (n=24) of 3 months age were equally divided into four groups. Group 1 served as normal control. Hepatotoxicity was induced in the remaining three groups with administration of 500 mg/kg po APAP from day 1-3. Groups 2, 3, and 4 were subsequently administered orally with distilled water, 25 mg/kg of SLM, and 20 mg/kg of RTN, respectively, for 11 days. The mean body weights and biomarkers of hepatotoxicity were estimated on day 0, 4 (confirmation of toxicity), and 15 (at the end of treatment). Hematological parameters were evaluated on day 4 and 15. Antioxidant profile and adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases) were assessed at the end of the experiment. Liver tissues were subjected to histopathology and transmission electron microscopy after the sacrifice on day 15.Results:Antioxidant profile, ATPases, and hematological and sero-biochemical parameters were significantly altered, and histopathological changes were noticed in the liver of toxic control group. These changes were reversed in groups 3 and 4 that were administered with SLM and RTN, respectively.Conclusion:The results of the present investigation enunciated that SLM has potent hepatoprotective activity though the RTN was found superior in restoring the pathological alterations in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats.

Amelioration of Ethanol-Induced Hepatitis by Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate through Inhibition of Neutrophil Cell Infiltration and Oxidative Damage.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is no effective treatment to prevent the disease progression. Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG) showed potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities and was used for treating liver diseases in Asia. In this study, we examined whether MgIG could protect mice against alcohol-induced liver injury. The newly developed chronic plus binge ethanol feeding model was used to study the role of MgIG in ALD. Serum liver enzyme levels, H&E staining, immunohistochemical staining, flow cytometric analysis, and real-time PCR were used to evaluate the liver injury and inflammation. We showed that MgIG markedly ameliorated chronic plus binge ethanol feeding liver injury, as shown by decreased serum alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase levels and reduced neutrophil infiltration. The reason may be attributed to the reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines with the treatment of MgIG. The hepatoprotective effect of MgIG was associated with suppression of neutrophil ROS production as well as hepatocellular oxidative stress. MgIG may play a critical role in protecting against chronic plus binge ethanol feeding-induced liver injury by regulating neutrophil activity and hepatic oxidative stress.

Ameliorative Effect of Aloe vera Supplementation in Poultry Feed

Restricted use of chemical antioxidants and antibiotics as growth enhancers in poultry diet has led to open channels for herbs as natural feed additive in current times. Scientists try to find novel herbal feed additives which are free from toxic effects and exhibit increase in performance of poultry birds. Aloe vera is a well-known herb characterized by antioxidant, antiinflammatory, immunostimulatory and growth promoting properties. The therapeutic potential of Alo vera is attributed to its rich phytochemistry. The current study was designed to evaluate the ameliorative potential of alcoholic extract of Aloe vera (family Liliaceae) in poultry birds. The birds were divided in four groups of six birds in each group. Group I: Contol (C), Group II: treatment I (T1), Group III: treatment II (T2) and Group IV: treatment III (T3). Alo vera supplementation was given in three treatment groups at the dose of different concentrations (T1: 2gms, T2: 5gms and T3: 7gms). Blood samples were collected on different time points 0, 14, 28, 42 and 56thdays and analyzed for different parameters. The altered biochemical parameters due to oxidative stress like Lipid peroxidation (LPO), super oxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine were significantly ameliorated to a great extent by Aloe vera supplementation. The alcoholic extract of Aloe vera showed potent anti-oxidant and hepato-protective activity in poultry birds.

Hepatoprotective activity of fractions of Fumeria parviflora in Anti tubercular drug induced toxicity in rats

The study was conducted to screen the heptoprotective activity of fractions of Fumaria parviflora (F. parviflora) and underlying mechanisms by using in vivo model of hepatotoxicity. Albino rats of either sex weighing 200 - 250 g were taken. Methanol and ethyl acetate fractions were used as the test compounds in the study. The hepatotoxicity was induced by administration of antitubercular drugs (Isoniazid 7.5 mg/kg, Rifampicin 10 mg/kg and Pyrazinamide 35 mg/kg body weight of rat). Both the drugs (300 & 500 mg/kg) and inducing agent were given for 35 days per orum. The rats were sacrificed, the blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis (Liver function test, Antioxidant activity [Catalase, GSH, MDA] and Cytokines [TNF- Alfa, IL-1, IL-6]. The liver tissue was also taken for histopathological examination. Both fraction showed significant hepatoprotection (p<0.01) against antitubercular drugs. The Methanol fraction showed hepatoprotection only at a dose of 500 mg/kg while ethyl acetate fraction was effective at both the doses. The percentage hepatoprotection (42.4%) as a function of ALT was seen highest for Ethyl acetate fraction at a dose of 500 mg/kg. There was an increase in the levels of Catalase and GSH in all test groups as compared to the negative control while a significant decrease was observed in MDA levels. Similarly, the levels of cytokines TNF- Alfa, IL-1, IL-6, were significantly lower as compared to negative control. The findings were correlated by histopathological examination. The present study shows that the methanol and ethyl acetate fractions of F. parviflora possess potential hepatoprotective activity which may be due to its free radical scavenging action.

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Potential of Swaras and Hima Extracts of Tinospora cordifolia and Boerhavia diffusa in Swiss albino Mice.

Background:In Ayurveda, five basic extraction procedures are mentioned in order of their decreasing potency. Swaras is considered as the most potent followed by, kalka, kwatha, fanta and hima.Objective:Present study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of swaras and hima extracts of T.cordifolia and B. diffusa.Materials and Methods:Swaras and hima extracts of T. cordifolia and B. diffusa were prepared. Phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant activities was carried out using standard methods. Hepatoprotective efficacy of extracts were carried out in Swiss albino mice using paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity. Animals were administered with swaras and hima extracts of both plants at 200 mg/kg BW dose for 7 days and on 8th day hepatotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of paracetamol at 500 mg/kg BW. The degree of liver protection was determined by measuring the levels of liver enzymes followed by histopathology.Results and Discussion:The results of phytochemical, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities showed that there were no significant difference between swaras and hima extracts. Both the extract of T. cordifolia were equally potent in reducing SGOT (P < 0.01) and ALP level (P < 0.001). Similar effects were observed with the Swaras and hima extracts of B. diffusa. Both the extracts reduced SGOT and ALP (P < 0.01). Histopathological findings among all the extracts were also more or less similar in lowering the paracetamol mitigated necrosis.Conclusion:The present study suggested that T. cordifolia and B. diffusa possess potential hepatoprotective activity irrespective of the extraction procedure.SUMMARY Aqueous extracts of Tinospora cordifolia and Boerhavia diffusa exhibited significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective activitiesAqueous extracts of both the plants were extracted using different extraction procedures mentioned in AyurvedaSwaras and hima extracts of both the plants significantly reduced the deleterious effects of paracetamol, suggesting that both the plant extracts are equipotentAcute toxicity of both the plant extracts did not produce any toxic effects. Abbreviations used: TC swaras: T. cordifolia swaras; TC hima: T. cordifolia hima; BD swaras: B. diffusa swaras; BD hima: B. diffusa hima; BW: Body weight; LDL: Low-density lipoprotein; HDL: High-density lipoprotein; SGOT: Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transminase; SGPT: Serum glutamate pyruvate transminase; ALP: Alkaline phosphatase; I.P: Intraperitoneal; TAC: Total antioxidant capacity; DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; TCA: Trichloro acetic acid; NO: Nitric oxide; TPC: Total phenolic content; NAPQI: N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine; PCM: Paracetamol.

MULTIPLE TREATMENT OF EREMURUS HIMALAICUS EXTRACTS AMELIORATES CARBON TETRACHLORIDE INDUCED LIVER INJURY IN RATS

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Eremurus himalaicus &lt;/em&gt;Baker&lt;em&gt;, &lt;/em&gt;an edible herb of North Western Himalayas, has not been scientifically assessed for hepatoprotective potential. The ethyl acetate extract (EHE), methanolic extract (EHM) and aqueous extract (EHA) of &lt;em&gt;Eremurus himalaicus &lt;/em&gt;were therefore evaluated for potential hepatoprotective activity in Wistar strain albino rats.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;Carbon tetrachloride (1.5 ml/kg) was employed as hepatotoxin and was given on Day 1 of the experiment. The extracts at a dose of 300 mg/kg bw (EHE, EHM and EHA) and the standard at a dose of 10 mg/kg bw (Liv 52) were given for following 7 d and the biochemical parameters (SGOT, SGPT, ALP, TP, bilirubin and UA) were estimated in order to assess the liver function. Moreover, the liver tissue samples were examined for histopathological changes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The results for serum biochemical analysis in rats showed a rise in SGOT, SGPT, ALP and bilirubin levels and a decrease in TP and UA levels upon giving hepatotoxin. The administration of the extracts and standard drug, for a period of 7 d, showed a significant decrease in SGOT, SGPT, ALP and bilirubin levels and an increase in TP and UA levels for EHM when compared to the toxic group. These results correlated well with the histopathological findings of liver for normal, toxic and extract treated groups. The EHM treatment decreased the extent of fat deposition and necrosis caused by CCl&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;. The results were almost similar to the standard drug Liv 52.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Collectively; the results indicate that EHM exhibits significant hepatoprotective activity against CCl&lt;sub&gt;4 &lt;/sub&gt;induced hepatotoxicity.&lt;/p&gt;

Eight new eudesmane- and eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids from Atractylodes lancea

Phytochemical and pharmacological study on the rhizomes of Atractylodes lancea led to the identification of twenty-one compounds: six new eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids (1–6), two new eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids (7, 8), and thirteen known compounds (9–21). These new compounds were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic analyses with experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) for the configurational assignments. Notably, this study was the first report on the isolation of two eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids (7, 8) from the genus Atractylodes. Compounds 5, 7, and 16 showed potent hepatoprotective activities against N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP)-induced HepG2 cell injury at a concentration of 10μM (bicyclol as the positive drug).

Effect of protocatechuic acid on lipid profile and DNA damage in D-galactosamine-induced hepatotoxic rats.

Our aim in this study is to investigate the effect of protocatechuic acid (PCA) on lipid profile and DNA damage in D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced hepatotoxic rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced by a single intraperitoneal dose of D-GalN in male Wistar rats. The activities of hepatic markers and levels of kidney function markers were determined. The plasma and tissue lipid levels were estimated. DNA damage was determined by COMET assay. Histopathological examination was also performed using portions of the liver and kidney tissues. D-GalN-induced hepatotoxic rats showed increased in the activities of hepatic marker enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in serum. The levels of kidney function markers such as urea, uric acid, and creatinine increased in serum. Levels of lipid profile such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), free fatty acid (FFA), and phospholipids (PLs) in the plasma and tissues (liver and kidney) were significantly increased in D-GalN-induced rats. In plasma, levels of very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) significantly increased, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level decreased in D-GalN-induced rats. Furthermore, D-GalN-induced rats showed increased percentage of tail DNA and tail length and decreased percentage of head DNA. Oral administration of PCA (100 mg/ kg BW) for 20 days improved these levels when compared to D-GalN-induced rats. These biochemical changes were reflected on the attenuation and the structural alteration of the liver and kidney integrity. The results of the study suggest that PCA has a potent hepatoprotective activity that may be linked to its antihyperlipidemic effect.

Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) pre-treated rats and protective effect of Vernonia amygdalina post-treatment on liver function

Background: Liver disease and toxicity is common, especially with many drug treatments. The effect of Vernonia amygdalina ethanolic leaf extract post-treatment on rats pre-treated with dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) was evaluated.Methods: Male wistar rats were orally administered DMN (single dose of 25 mg/kg) on first day and thereafter post-treated with 100 and 200mg/kg ethanolic leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina for seven days. Analysis of serum concentrations of albumin, total protein, total bilirubin and glucose were carried out.Results: Administration of DMN alone to rats significantly increased glucose and total bilirubin concentration (P &lt; 0.05) in the serum while it significantly reduced (P&lt;0.05) serum total protein and albumin concentrations when compared with controls. However, post-treatment of DMN administered rats with 100 and 200 mg/kg ethanolic extract leaf of Vernonia amygdalina significantly (P&lt;0.05) reversed these changes in a concentration dependent manner.Conclusion: In conclusion ethanolic leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina have a potent hypoglycaemic and hepatoprotective action against dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver damage in rats may be due to its antioxidant properties.

Hepatoprotective activity of methanol extract of Litsea glutinosa against hepatotoxin induced toxicity

Hepatoprotective activity of the methanol extract of Litsea glutinosa (MELG) was investigated by inducing hepatotoxicity with CCl4 and paracetamol in rats. Increased levels of biochemical parameters like aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, bilirubin and alkaline phophatase in serum, along with reduced activity of catalase and super oxide dismutase in liver were induced by paracetamol and CCl4. Hepatic tissue architecture was also distorted by the hepatotoxins. Oral administration of MELG (100-200 mg/kg) offered a significant dose dependent protection against paracetamol and CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity and restored the levels of the biochemical parameters to control levels. The hepatoprotective activity of MELG against paracetamol and CCl4 was comparable with silymarin, which was used as reference standard. The results of this study indicate that MELG has potent hepatoprotective action against paracetamol and CCl4 induced hepatic damage in rats.

Hepatoprotective Effect of &lt;i&gt;Pandanus odoratissimus&lt;/i&gt; L Inflorescence Extracts in Acetaminophen-treated Guinea Pigs

Purpose: To investigate the hepatoprotective activity of methanol extracts of peduncles, flowers and spathes of Pandanus odoratissimus L. inflorescence in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in guinea pigs.Methods: The animals were randomly assigned to 9 groups (3 animals per group) and treated orally for 10 consecutive days. Group 1 served as normal control and received distilled water (1 ml/kg); groups 2 - 4 received methanol extracts of peduncle, flower, and spathes of P. odoratissimus L. (500 mg/kg), respectively, in the absence of acetaminophen (APAP); group 5 served as hepatotoxic control and received APAP (3 g/kg) on days 1 and 2; group 6 served as standard treatment group and received silymarin (100 mg/kg) + 3 g/kg APAP on days 1 and 2; groups 7 - 9 received methanol extracts of peduncle, flower, and spathes of P. odoratissimus L. (500 mg/kg) respectively + 3 g/kg APAP on days 1 and 2. Serum enzyme activities (AST, ALT, ALP) and total bilirubin were determined. Histopathological examinations of the liver were also carried out.Results: The methanol extract of the peduncle alleviated the liver damage induced by APAP as evident by the improved histopathology picture similar to that of silymarin which presented with only mild hydropic and fatty changes. The extract also reduced the liver enzymes - AST, ALT and ALP - by 42, 50 and 59 %, respectively (p &lt; 0.05), but the reduction (32 %) in total bilirubin was not significant 32 %. On the other hand, the flower extract only lowered AST and ALP by 31 and 48 % (p &lt; 0.05), respectively, while the reduction in ALT and total bilirubin by 33 and 18 % respectively, was not significant.Conclusion: P. odoratissimus L. peduncle has potential hepatoprotective activity against APAPinduced hepatotoxicity in guinea pigs.Keywords: Pandanus odoratissimus L., Peduncle, Flowers, Hepatoprotection, Acetaminophen, Guinea pigs