Protective effect of Acacia confusa bark extract and its active compound gallic acid against carbon tetrachloride-induced chronic liver injury in rats

Acacia confusa Merr. (Leguminosae), a species native to Taiwan, is widely distributed on the hills and lowlands of Taiwan, and has been traditionally used as a medicine. The hepatoprotective effects of A. confusa bark extract (ACBE) and its active constituent gallic acid were evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. CCl₄-induced hepatic pathological damage and significantly increased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma, and cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) protein expression in hepatic samples, and decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) in erythrocytes. Treatment with ACBE, gallic acid or silymarin could decrease significantly the AST, ALT, and MDA levels in plasma, and CYP2E1 expression in liver tissues, and increase the activities of SOD and GPX in erythrocyte when compared with CCl₄-treated group. Liver histopathology also showed that ACBE, gallic acid or silymarin could significantly reduce the incidence of liver lesions induced by CCl₄. These results suggested that the ACBE and gallic acid exhibit potent hepatoprotection against CCl₄-induced liver damages in rats, and the hepatoprotective effects of ACBE and gallic acid may be due to the modulation of antioxidant enzymes activities and inhibition of lipid peroxidation and CYP2E1 activation.     

Protective effects of Dunaliella salina – A carotenoids-rich alga,against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

The protective effects of Dunaliella salina (D. salina) on liver damage were evaluated by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Male ICR mice were orally treated with D. salina or silymairn daily with administration of CCl₄ twice a week for 8 weeks. CCl₄ induced liver damage and significantly (p < 0.05) increased the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum and decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and GSH content in liver whereas increased hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content as compared with control group. Treatment with D. salina or silymarin could significantly (p < 0.05) decrease the ALT, AST, and ALP levels in serum and increase the activities of SOD, catalase, GSH-Px, glutathione reductase, and GSH content and decrease the MDA content in liver when compared with CCl₄-treated group. Liver histopathology also showed that D. salina reduced the incidence of liver lesions induced by CCl₄. The results suggest that D. salina exhibits potent hepatoprotective effects on CCl₄-induced liver damages in mice, and that the hepatoprotective effects of D. salina may be due to both the increase of antioxidant enzymes activities and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Leucas aspera against d-galactosamine induced liver damage in rats

Context: Whole plant of Leucas aspera (LA) Willd. (Labiatae) is traditionally used in Siddha medicine for hepatic ailments.

Objective: LA was investigated for its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and protective effect on microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes (MDMEs).

Materials and methods: LA aqueous extract (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated for its hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity in d-galactosamine (d-GalN)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Biochemical and histopathological studies were performed to assess hepatoprotective activity. Hexobarbitone-induced sleeping time model was used to study the protective effect of LA on MDMEs.

Results: d-GalN administration induced hepatotoxicity in rats which was manifested by increased levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total bilirubin and oxidative stress. Pretreatment with LA extract significantly protected the liver in d-GalN administered rats. LA extract significantly elevated antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and decreased lipid peroxidation levels in liver. The total phenolic and flavonoid content in LA aqueous extract was found to be 28.33 ± 0.19 gallic acid equivalents mg/g of extract and 3.96 ± 0.57 rutin equivalent mg/g of extract, respectively. LA extract (200 and 400 mg/Kg) treatment with CCl₄ decreased the hexobarbitone-induced sleeping time in mice by 56.67 and 71.30%, respectively, which indicated the protective effect of LA on hepatic MDMEs. Histological studies showed that LA at 400 mg/kg attenuated the hepatocellular necrosis in d-GalN intoxicated rats.

Conclusion: Our results contribute towards validation of the traditional use of LA in hepatic disorders.     

Hepatoprotective activity of Chhit-Chan-Than extract powder against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

The capability of Chhit-Chan-Than extract powder (CCTEP, 10% aqueous Ocimum gratissimum L. extract) to protect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in vivo was investigated. Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group A was a normal control group given only vehicle; Group B, the hepatotoxic group, was injected intraperitoneally twice a week with repeated 8% CCl₄/olive oil (0.1 mL/100 g of body weight); Groups C–E, extract-treated groups received CCl₄ and different doses of CCTEP (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) or silymarin (200 mg/kg of body weight) daily by gavage for 8 weeks, respectively. The results showed that the CCl₄-induced histopathogical changes may be prevented by CCTEP through reducing the intercellular collogen stack, dropping blood serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, and restoring the catalase activity and glutathione content. The hepatoprotective properties were further confirmed by the marked improvement in histopathological examination and by quantitative steatosis-fibrosis scoring. The above results suggest that CCTEP is able to prevent the liver inflammation and fibrosis induced by repeated CCl₄ administration, and the hepatoprotective effects might be correlated partly with its antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects.     

Hepatoprotective activity of Amaranthus spinosus in experimental animals

The hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of 50% ethanolic extract of whole plant of Amaranthus spinosus (ASE) was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatic damage in rats. The ASE at dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were administered orally once daily for fourteen days. The substantially elevated serum enzymatic levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP) and total bilirubin were restored towards normalization significantly by the ASE in a dose dependent manner. Higher dose exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The biochemical observations were supplemented with histopathological examination of rat liver sections. Meanwhile, in vivo antioxidant activities as malondialdehyde (MDA), hydroperoxides, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also screened which were also found significantly positive in a dose dependent manner. The results of this study strongly indicate that whole plants of A. spinosus have potent hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage in experimental animals. This study suggests that possible mechanism of this activity may be due to the presence of flavonoids and phenolics compound in the ASE which may be responsible to hepatoprotective activity.     

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of phenolic rich fraction of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) leaves

Present study was aimed to investigate antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of phenolic rich fraction (PRF) of Seabuckthorn leaves on CCl₄ induced oxidative stress in Sprague Dawley rats. Total phenolic content was found to be 319.33 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g PRF and some of its phenolic constituents, such as gallic acid, myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin were found to be in the range of 1.935-196.89 mg/g of PRF as determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC).Oral administration of PRF at dose of 25-75 mg/kg body weight significantly protected from CCl₄ induced elevation in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and bilirubin in serum, elevation in hepatic lipid peroxidation, hydroperoxides, protein carbonyls, depletion of hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) and decrease in the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). The PRF also protected against histopathological changes produced by CCl₄ such as hepatocytic necrosis, fatty changes, vacuolation, etc. The data obtained in the present study suggests that PRF has potent antioxidant activity, prevent oxidative damage to major biomolecules and afford significant protection against CCl₄ induced oxidative damage in the liver.     

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

Abstract

Context: Rumex vesicarius L. (Polygonaceae), an edible plant, is reported to have many bioactive phytochemicals, especially flavonoids and anthraquinones with antioxidant and detoxifying properties.

Objective: This study evaluated the methanolic extract of R. vasicarius (MERV) for hepatoprotective activity in rats against CCl₄-induced liver damage.

Materials and methods: The whole plant extract was prepared and investigated for its hepatoprotective activity. Rats were pretreated with MERV (100 and 200?mg/kg, p.o.) for 7?d prior to the induction of liver damage by CCl₄. Animals were then sacrificed 24?h after CCl₄ administration for the biochemical (AST, ALT, and ALP activity in serum; lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) levels in liver tissue) and histological analyses.

Results: CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity was confirmed by an increase (p?<?0.05) in serum AST (4.55-fold), ALT (3.51-fold), and ALP (1.82-fold) activities. CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity was also manifested by an increase (p?<?0.05) in LPO (3.88-fold) and depletion of reduced glutathione (3.14-fold) activity in liver tissue. The multiple dose MERV administration at 200?mg/kg showed promising hepatoprotective activity as evident from significant decrease levels of serum AST (230.01?±?13.21), serum ALT (82.15?±?5.01), serum ALP (504.75?±?19.72), hepatic LPO (3.38?±?0.33), and increased levels of hepatic glutathione (0.34?±?0.04) towards near normal. Further, biochemical results were confirmed by histopathological changes as compared with CCl₄-intoxicated rats.

Discussion and conclusion: The results obtained from this study indicate hepatoprotective activity of Rumex plant against CCl₄-induced liver toxicity; hence, it can be used as a hepatoprotective agent.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Melaleuca styphelioides on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Context: Liver disease is a serious problem. Polyphenolic compounds have marked antioxidant effect and can prevent the liver damage caused by free radicals. In vitro studies have revealed the strong antioxidant activity of an ellagitannin-rich plant, namely, Melaleuca styphelioides Sm. (Myrtaceae).

Objective: In view of the limited therapeutic options available for the treatment of liver diseases, the hepatoprotective potential of the methanol extract of M. styphelioides leaves (MSE) was investigated against CCl₄-induced liver injury in mice.

Materials and methods: MSE was administered (500 and 1000?mg/kg/d p.o.) along with CCl₄ for 6 weeks. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined in the serum. Glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione transferase (GST), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated in the liver homogenate. The bioactive components of MSE were identified by NMR, UV and HRESI-MS/MS data.

Results: MSE treatment (500 and 1000?mg/kg/d) markedly inhibited the CCl₄-induced increase in the levels of AST (31 and 38%), ALT (29 and 32%), ALP (13 and 19%), and MDA (22 and 37%) at the tested doses, respectively. MSE treatment markedly increased the levels of GSH (29 and 57%) and antioxidant enzymes compared with the CCl₄-treated group. MSE was more effective than silymarin in restoring the liver architecture and reducing the fatty changes, central vein congestion, Kupffer cell hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltration, and necrosis induced by CCl₄. The LD₅₀ of MSE was more than 5000?mg/kg.

Conclusion: MSE confers potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects against CCl₄-induced toxicity.     

Antioxidant activity and protective effect of Turnera ulmifolia Linn. var. elegans against carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative damage in rats

The present study aimed to determine whether the leaves of Turnera ulmifolia Linn. var. elegans extract exert significant antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of its hydroethanolic extract (HEETU) was evaluated by assessing (a) its radical scavenging ability in vitro, and (b) its in vivo effect on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities. The in vitro antioxidant assay (DPPH) clearly supported HEETU free radical scavenging potential. Moreover, glutathione content and antioxidant enzyme activities (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase) were significantly enhanced in CCl₄-treated rats due to oral HEETU-treatment (500 mg/kg b.w.) over 7 and 21 days. In addition, an improvement was observed in lipid peroxidation and serum biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), indicating a protective effect against CCl₄-induced liver injuries, confirmed by histopathological studies. The HEETU effect was comparable to the standard drug Legalon® (50 mg/kg b.w.) under the same experimental condition. Quantitative analysis of the HPLC extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, wich mediate the effects of antioxidant and oxidative stress. In conclusion, extract components exhibit antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities in vitro and in vivo.     

Potential antioxidant properties and hepatoprotective effects of an aqueous extract formula derived from three Chinese medicinal herbs against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats

The hepatoprotective effects of an aqueous extract formula (AEF) derived from Artemisia capillaris, Lonicera japonica and Silybum marianum (ratio 1:1:1) were evaluated by its antioxidant properties and its attenuation of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in rats. The antioxidant analyses revealed that the AEF showed higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities as well as ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) compared with the individual herbs, suggesting a synergism in antioxidation between the three herbs. The animal experiments showed that the CCl₄ treatment increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, but decreased triglyceride (TG) and glutathione (GSH) levels as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. However, AEF administration can successfully lower serum ALT and AST activities, restore the GSH level, ameliorate or restore GPx and CAT activities as well as improve SOD action depending on AEF dosage. Histological examination of liver showed that CCl₄ increased the extent of bile duct proliferation, necrosis, fibrosis and fatty vacuolation throughout the liver, but AEF can improve bile duct proliferation, vacuolation and fibrosis, and restore necrosis. The present study demonstrated the hepatoprotective potential of AEF as an alternative to the traditional silymarin.     

Hepatoprotective effects of Ficus racemosa stem bark against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in albino rats

In the present study, the hepatoprotective effects of petroleum ether (FRPE) and methanol (FRME) extract of Ficus racemosa Linn. (Moraceae) stem bark were studied using the model of hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in rats. CCl₄ administration induced a significant decrease in serum total protein, albumin, urea and a significant increase (P?≤?0.01) in total bilirubin associated with a marked elevation in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as compared to control rats. Further, CCl₄ intoxication caused significant increase in the TBARS and decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels in serum, liver and kidney. Pretreatment with FRPE and FRME restored total protein and albumin to near normal levels. Both the extracts resulted in significant decreases in the activities of AST, ALT and ALP, compared to CCl₄-treated rats. However, a greater degree of reduction was observed in FRME pretreated group (FRPE 43%, 38%, and 33%; FRME 55%, 73%, and 38%). Total bilirubin content decreased from 2.1?mg/dL in CCl₄-treated rats to 0.8 and 0.3?mg/dL in FRPE and FRME pretreated rats, respectively. The extracts improved the antioxidant status considerably as reflected by low TBARS and high GSH values. FRME exhibited higher hepatoprotective activity than a standard liver tonic (Liv52), while the protective effect of FRPE was similar to that of Liv52. The protective effect of F. racemosa was confirmed by histopathological profiles of the liver. The results indicate that F. racemosa possesses potent hepatoprotective effects against CCl₄-induced hepatic damage in rats.     

Hepatoprotective effect of the ethanol extract of Polygonum orientale on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice

Polygonum orientale L. (Polygonaceae) fruits have various medicinal uses, but their hepatoprotective effects have not yet been studied. This study investigated the hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic extract of P. orientale (POE) fruits against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute liver injury (ALI). Mice were pretreated with POE (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg) or silymarin (0.2 g/kg) for 5 consecutive days and administered a dose of 0.175% CCl₄ (ip) on the 5th day to induce ALI. Blood and liver samples were collected to measure antioxidative activity and cytokines. The bioactive components of POE were identified through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Acute toxicity testing indicated that the LD₅₀ of POE exceeded 10 g/kg in mice. Mice pretreated with POE (0.5, 1.0 g/kg) experienced a significant reduction in their serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and reduction in the extent of liver lesions. POE reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GRd) in liver. HPLC revealed peaks at 11.28, 19.55, and 39.40 min for protocatechuic acid, taxifolin, and quercetin, respectively. In summary, the hepatoprotective effect of POE against CCl₄-induced ALI was seemingly associated with its antioxidant and anti-proinflammatory activities.     

Protective action of the immunomodulator ginsan against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury via control of oxidative stress and the inflammatory response

The aim of the present study was to evaluate immunomodulator ginsan, a polysaccharide extracted from Panax ginseng, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury. BALB/c mice were injected i.p. with ginsan 24 h prior to CCl₄ administration. Serum liver enzyme levels, histology, expression of antioxidant enzymes, and several cytokines/chemokines were subsequently evaluated. Ginsan treatment markedly suppressed the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and hepatic histological necrosis increased by CCl₄ treatment. Ginsan inhibited CCl₄ induced lipid peroxidation through the cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) downregulation. The hepatoprotective effect of ginsan was attributed to induction of anti-oxidant protein contents, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) as well as restoration of the hepatic glutathione (GSH) concentration. The marked increase of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IFN-γ) and chemokines (MCP-1, MIP-2β, KC) in CCl₄ treated mice was additionally attenuated by ginsan, thereby preventing leukocyte infiltration and local inflammation. Our results suggest that ginsan effectively prevent liver injury, mainly through downregulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory response.     

Hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea in combination with lycopene in rats

Objective:

To investigate the hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Portulaca oleracea (P. oleracea) in combination with lycopene against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Hepatotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (0.1 ml/kg b.w for 14 days). The aqueous extract of P. oleracea in combination with lycopene (50 mg/kg b.w) was administered to the experimental animals at two selected doses for 14 days. The hepatoprotective activity of the combination was evaluated by the liver function marker enzymes in the serum [aspartate transaminases (AST), alanine transaminases (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (Alk.P), total bilirubin (TB), total protein (TP) and total cholesterol (TC)], pentobarbitone induced sleeping time (PST) and histopathological studies of liver.

Results:

Both the treatment groups showed hepatoprotective effect against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity by significantly restoring the levels of serum enzymes to normal which was comparable to that of silymarin group. Besides, the results obtained from PST and histopathological results also support the study.

Conclusions:

The oral administration of P. oleracea in combination with lycopene significantly ameliorates CCl₄ hepatotoxicity in rats.     

Protective potential of Royal Jelly against carbon tetrachloride induced-toxicity and changes in the serum sialic acid levels

Royal Jelly (RJ) is used in the Turkish folk medicine for the treatment of number of disorders. The present study describes the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the RJ against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute liver damage. Sprague–Dawley rats were used for the experiment. CCl₄ (0.8 ml/kg; s.c.) and RJ (50, 100, 200 mg/kg; orally) were given every other day, for 20 days. Malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione in whole blood and tissues; ceruloplasmin, sialic acid, ascorbic acid, retinol, β-carotene and liver enzymes levels in serum were measured. Additionally, histopathological alterations in the liver were examined. RJ exerted the significant protective effect on liver damage as well as on oxidative stress induced by CCl₄, resulting in reduced lipid peroxidation and improved endogenous antioxidant defence systems. It also reduced the elevated levels of liver enzymes. Histopathological study further confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of RJ, when compared with the CCl₄ treated control groups. In conclusion, present study reveals biological evidence that supports the use of RJ in the treatment of chemical-induced hepatotoxicity.     

Ameliorative influence of Urtica dioica L against cisplatin-induced toxicity in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Cisplatin (CP) is a widely used cytotoxic agent against cancer, and high doses of CP have been known to cause nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. Some reports claim that antioxidants can reduce CP-induced toxicity. This study investigated the hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and antioxidant activity of Urtica dioica L methanolic extract (UDME) against CP toxicity in Erhlich ascites tumor (EAT)-bearing mice. Levels of serum hepatic enzymes, renal function markers, and oxidant/antioxidant parameters of liver tissue were measured. Mice were inoculated with EAT on day 0 and treated with nothing else for 24 hours. After a single dose of CP administration on day 1, the extract was given at the doses of 50, 100, 200, and 400?mg/kg body weight daily during 6 days. Almost all doses of UDME performed a significant (P?<?0.05) preventive role against CP toxicity by decreasing aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation levels, and myeloperoxidase activity, as well as increasing reduced glutathione content, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. This suggests that UDME has a protective capacity and antioxidant activity against CP toxicity in EAT-bearing mice, probably by promoting antioxidative defense systems.     

Ameliorative effects of 7-methylcoumarin and 7-methoxycoumarin against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The available conventional remedies for the treatment of drug-induced liver diseases are highly inadequate and possess serious adverse effects; therefore, the development of new, effective drugs is considered necessary. This article explores the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of 7-methylcoumarin (MC) and 7-methoxycoumarin (MOC) in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. MC and MOC individually, at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, were administered orally once-daily for 7 days. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum bilirubin (TB), total protein (TP), and albumin (TA). Serum antioxidant enzyme [e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)] levels were determined. Also, thiobarbituric-acid–related substances (TBARS) levels, along with histopathological studies of liver tissue, were scrutinized. Pretreatment with MC and MOC significantly decreased ALT, AST, and TB in the serum of CCl₄-induced liver damaged rats in a dose-dependent manner. TA and TP levels in the serum were also restored significantly in all presupplemented MC and MOC groups. In addition, oxidative stress induced by CCl₄ was prevented significantly; thereby, increasing SOD and CAT levels and decreasing TBARS levels in liver homogenates. Histopathological studies revealed the ameliorative natures of both the compounds. This study demonstrates the strong hepatoprotective activity of MC and MOC, which could be attributed to their potent antioxidant effects.     

In Vitro. and In Vivo. Evaluation of Free-Radical Scavenging Potential of Cissus quadrangularis.

Abstract

The current study was performed to evaluate the effect of the methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis. (L.) (CQE) against free-radical damage. The test extract exhibited significant scavenging effect on DPPH free radical, superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical production, and inhibition of lipid peroxide production in erythrocytes. The free-radical scavenging effect of CQE was comparable with that of reference antioxidants. The activities of liver marker enzymes and antioxidant defense enzymes in rat liver homogenate were assessed in CCl₄- and CQE-treated animals. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) caused a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDL) levels and a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S.-transferase (GST), and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities, which were reverted by CQE treatment. The results obtained suggest that CQE showed antilipid peroxidative, free-radical scavenging property and ameliorated the liver damage by an increase in antioxidant enzymes activities. It can be concluded that the free-radical scavenging/antioxidant activity of the plant extract may be responsible for the therapeutic action against tissue damage.     

Characterization and hepatoprotective effect of polysaccharides from Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H. F. Chou sarcocarp

The polysaccharides from Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H. F. Chou sarcocarp (PWJS) is evaluated for the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effect. The characteristics of PWJS were determined by FT-IR spectral and HPLC analysis. The antioxidant activity was investigated using in vitro systems. An in vivo study of PWJS against CCl₄ induced liver injury was also conducted. HPLC analysis showed that PWJS is an acidic heteropolysaccharide, rich in glucose (38.59%), arabinose (23.16%), galacturonic acid (17.64%) and galactose (10.44%). PWJS displayed strong antioxidant activity in vitro. In the in vivo study, PWJS treatment lowered the serum levels of ALT and AST in CCl₄-intoxicated mice. Additionally, levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) and GSH were elevated in liver damage mice by PWJS intervention, while content of MDA was lessened. Meanwhile, PWJS reverses the suppression of Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and increases the protein expression of HO-1, GSTα and NQO1 in liver damage mice. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the condition of liver damage was mitigated. This study demonstrates that PWJS reverses hepatotoxicity in CCl₄-intoxicated mice through the mechanisms of antioxidant activity, as well as an augmentation of the Nrf2 pathway in liver tissue.