Restorative effect of Eclipta alba in CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats

ObjectiveTo elucidate the restorative effect of the aqueous leaf extract (85%) of the traditional medicinal plant Eclipta alba (E. alba) against CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats.MethodsRestorative activity was assessed using CCl₄-induced hepatic injury in rats by monitoring biochemical parameters. Biochemical markers of hepatic damage such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed in serum. The oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the levels of thiobarbutric acid reactive substance (TBARS), hydroperoxides, activity levels of enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) in hepatic tissue.ResultsCCl₄ and olive oil mixture (1:1 dosage of 1 mL/kg b.w.) induced oxidative stress was indicated by elevated levels of TBARS and hydroperoxides, and augmented levels of serum AST, ALT and ALP. The depleted activity levels of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GPX and GST were found in CCl₄ induced animals. The aqueous leaf extract of E. alba (250 mg/kg b.w.) ameliorated the effects of CCl₄ and returned the alter levels of the biochemical markers near to the normal levels.ConclusionsThe study indicates that aqueous leaf extract of E. alba has potential restorative effect on CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats.     

Hepatoprotective effect of Solanum xanthocarpum fruit extract against CCl4 induced acute liver toxicity in experimental animals

ObjectiveTo investigate the hepatoprotective potential of Solanum xanthocarpum (Solanaceae) (S. xanthocarpum) in experimental rats to validate its traditional claim.Methods50% ethanolic fruit extract of S. xanthocarpum (SXE, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg body weight) was administered daily for 14 days in experimental animals. Liver injury was induced chemically, by CCl₄ administration (1 mL/kg i. p.). The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Serum alkaline phosphatise (SALP) and total bilirubin. Meanwhile, in vivo antioxidant activities as lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were screened along with histopathological studies.ResultsObtained results demonstrated that the treatment with SXE significantly (P<0.05-<0.001) and dose-dependently prevented chemically induced increase in serum levels of hepatic enzymes. Furthermore, SXE significantly (up to P<0.001) reduced the lipid peroxidation in the liver tissue and restored activities of defence antioxidant enzymes GSH, SOD and catalase towards normal levels. Histopathology of the liver tissue showed that SXE attenuated the hepatocellular necrosis and led to reduction of inflammatory cells inflltration.ConclusionsThe results of this study strongly indicate the protective effect of SXE against acute liver injury which may be attributed to its hepatoprotective activity, and there by scientifically support its traditional use.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of flowers of Nerium oleander against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of methanolic flower extract of Nerium oleander against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.MethodsIn vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of flowers of Nerium oleander (MENO–F) was evaluated by various assays, including reducing power, lipid peroxidation, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals and metal chelation. The hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant activity of MENO-F were evaluated against CCl₄–induced hepatic damage in rats. The MENO-F at dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were administered orally once daily for seven days. Serum enzymatic levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin were estimated along with estimation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver tissues. Further histopathological examination of the liver sections was carried out to support the induction of hepatotoxicity and hepatoprotective efficacy.ResultsThe extract showed potent activities on reducing power, lipid peroxide, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and metal chelation. The substantially elevated serum enzymatic levels of AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin were found to be restored towards normalization significantly by the MENO-F in a dose dependent manner with maximum hepatoprotection at 400 mg/kg dose level. The histopathological observations supported the biochemical evidences of hepatoprotection. Elevated level of SOD and decreased level of MDA further strengthen the hepatoprotective observations.ConclusionsThe results of the present study strongly reveal that MENO-F has potent antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective activity against CCl₄-induced hepatic damage in experimental animals.     

Hepatoprotective effect of stem of Musa sapientum Linn in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride

Methods. The study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of central stem of Musa sapientum (AqMS) against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Animals were divided into six groups. Group I served as normal control. Group II, III, IV, V &; VI were administered CCl₄ mixed with olive oil 1:1 (1.5 mL/kg) I.P., twice a week for 5 weeks. Group II was maintained as CCl₄ intoxicated control. Group III, IV and V received AqMS at a dose of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg. Group VI received silymarin 100 mg/kg for 5 weeks orally once daily. Marker enzymes of hepatic functions estimated in serum were AST, ALT and ALP. Antioxidant parameters estimated were MDA and GSH in blood and liver and SOD in blood, after fifth week, animals were sacrificed, livers dissected out and evaluated for histomorphological changes.Results. There was significant rise in AST, ALT and ALP in CCl₄ intoxicated control group II. Treatment with AqMS prevented rise in levels of these enzymes. There was significant rise in MDA and fall in GSH in blood and liver in group II, indicating increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress upon CCl₄ ad-ministration. Treatment with AqMS prevented rise in MDA &; increased GSH in treated group. SOD levels were decreased in group II while groups treated with AqMS showed significant rise (p < 0.05). Maximum hepatoprotective effect was observed with 50 mg/kg dose. Hepatoprotective effect observed with this dose was comparable to standard hepatoprotective drug silymarin. The results of pathological study also support the results of biochemical findings.Conclusion. the results of the present study indicate that stem of Musa sapientum possess hepatoprotective effect and probably it is due to it’s antioxidant property.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of pentagamavunon-0 against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of pentagamavunon-0(PGV-0) against CCl₄-induced hepatic injury in rats.MethodsThe groups of animals were administered with PGV-0 at the doses 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kgb.w., p.o. once in a day for 6 days and at day 7 the animals were administrated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl) (20%, 2 mL/kgb.w. in liquid paraffin (i.p.). The effect of PGV-0 on serum transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphates (ALP) and total bilirubin were determined in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Further, the effects of PGV-0 on glutathione (GSH) content, catalase (CAT) and NO free radical scavenging activity also were investigated.ResultsThe results demonstrated that PGV-0 significantly reduced the activity of SGPT, serum ALP and total bilirubin in CCl₄induced rat hepatotoxicity. PGV-0 has effect on the antioxidant and free radical defense system. It prevented the depletion level of GSH and decrease activity of CAT in CCl₄-induced liver injury in rats. PGV-0 also demonstrated the free radical scavenger effects on NO free radical scavenging activity with ES value of 32.32μM.ConculsionAll of our findings suggests that PGV-0 could protect the liver cells from CCl₄-induced liver damages and the mechanism may through the antioxidative effect of PGV-0 to prevent the accumulation of free radicals and protect the liver damage.     

Hepatoprotective and cytoprotective properties of Hyptis suaveolens against oxidative stress–induced damage by CCl4 and H2O2

ObjectiveTo investigate capacity of Hyptis suaveolens (H. suaveolens) methanol extract as an antioxidant to protect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity in Albino Wistar rats and cytoprotective effect of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) induced cell death in HepG₂ cell line.MethodsTwo different doses of methanol extract of H. suaveolens were evaluated for the hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Animals in Group I: served as control, group II: H. suaveolens (100 mL/kg b.w), group III: H. suaveolens (50 mL/kg b.w) + CCl₄ (1 mg/kg), group IV: H. suaveolens (100 mL/kg b.w) + CCl₄ (1 mL/kg) and group V: CCl₄ (1 mL/kg). Histopathologic changes of liver were also evaluated. Cytotoxicity was also determined by 3, (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.ResultsOral sigle dose treatment of CCl₄ produced a marked elevation in the serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Histopathological analysis of the liver of CCl₄-induced rats revealed marked liver cell necrosis with inflammatory collections that were conformed to increase in the levels of SOD, GSH, GST, GR and LPO. Treatment with H₂O₂ significantly induced death of HepG₂ cell. Pretreatment with H. suaveolens methanol extract inhibited or attenuated H₂O₂ induced cytotoxicity.ConclusionsThis study shows that H. suaveolens methanol extract can be proposed to protect the liver against CCl₄-induced oxidative damage in rats and protect the cells against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in HepG₂ cells. The hepatoprotective and cytoprotective effects might be correlated with its antioxidant and free radical scavenger effects.     

Protective effect of Mollugo nudicaulis Lam. on acute liver injury induced by perchloroethylene in experimental rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the protective effect of ethanol extract of Mollugo nudicaulis (M. nudicaulis) against perchloroethylene-induced hepatotoxicity.MethodsThe hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol extract of M. nudicaulis (200 mg/kg body wt) was studied in percholoroethylene (1 000 mg/kg body wt) induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. The serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin and the liver content of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GSH, vitamin C were assessed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the extract. The activity of the extract was compared with silymarin, a standard reference drug. In addition, serum urea, uric acid and creatinine levels were measured to evaluate the kidney function. The histopathological examination of the liver tissues was observed to support the biochemical parameters.ResultsThe results revealed that the extract significantly (P<0.05) restored the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin and significantly (P<0.05) increased the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GSH, vitamin C in perchloroethylene-induced rats to its normalcy. The biochemical observations were supported by the histopathological studies of the liver tissues.ConclusionsThe results led to the conclusion that M. nudicaulis possess hepatoprotective and antioxidant activites against perchloroethylene-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.     

Efficacy evaluation of the protein isolated from Peganum harmala seeds as an antioxidant in liver of rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the curative effect of the 132 KD protein isolated from the seeds of Peganum harmala (P. harmala) L. against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced oxidative stress in rats.MethodsAnimals were post treated intraperitoneally with 132 KD isolated protein at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg body weight and bovine serum albumin (BSA) (8 mg/kg body weight) as well as vitamin C (250 mg/kg body weight p.o.) for 7 d after they challenged with CCl₄ orally (1 mL/kg body weight) in olive oil (50%) for 2 d.ResultsThe purified protein from seeds of P. harmala plant showed in vitro antioxidant activity with DPPH assay. Administration of CCl₄ induced induction in serum aminotransferases (AST, ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lipid profile parameters and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease in serum total protein, liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. 132 KD protein treatment of rats post CCl₄ intoxication successfully alleviated the toxic effects of CCl₄.ConclusionsThe isolated protein possessed strong antioxidant activity comparable to that of BSA (negative control) and vitamin C (positive control).     

Lygodium flexuosum extract down regulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity

ObjectiveTo examine the downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines in a time dependant manner on carbon tetrachloride induced toxicity in experimental animals.MethodsCCl₄ (150 μL/100 g) was dissolved in corn oil (1:1 v/v %) and administered orally. Group I was treated as normal control and received corn oil on 8th day. Group II was toxic control and was given a single dose of CCl₄ on 8th days. Group III was treated with Lygodium flexuosum (L. flexuosum) n-hexane extract (200 mg/kg) for 8 days and on 8th day a single dose of CCl₄ was received. Group IV (negative control) received L. flexuosum n-hexane extract (200 mg/kg) alone for 8 days.ResultsTreatment with n-hexane extract prior to the administration of CCl₄ significantly prevented an increase in serum AST, ALT, LDH activity and lipid peroxidation and prevented the depletion of glutathione (GSH). Rats treated with L. flexuosum had reduced mRNA levels of TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL-1β genes in liver of CCl₄ intoxicated rats when compared to CCl₄ control as evidenced by RT-PCR.ConclusionsThe data suggest that L. flexuosum, a widely available fern, significantly reduces CCl₄ induced acute hepatotoxicity by down-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats.     

Protective effects of Lactuca sativa ethanolic extract on carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative damage in rats

Objective

To study the protective effects of the ethanolic extract of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia) leaves against the toxicity caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in reproductive system of rats.

Methods

Lettuce leaves were dried and extracted with ethanol (plant: solvent, 1:10, w/v). The extract was filtered and evaporated to yield dried lettuce extract. Animals were divided into seven groups and treated with CCl₄ and different concentrations of lettuce extract. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and blood was collected and centrifuged for serum separation. Body weights, testis size, histopathology of testis and liver, catalase (CAT) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, peroxidase (POD) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), nitrite level, and serum hormones were determined.

Results

Oxidative stress induced by CCl₄ (2 mL/kg body weight) in rat decreases the increase in body weight and relative testis weight. It also markedly increases the level of TBARS and nitrites along with corresponding decrease in reduced glutathione and various antioxidant enzymes in testis (i.e., CAT, POD, SOD and GSH-Px). Serum level of testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone was decreased while estradiol and prolactin were increased during CCl₄ treatment. Histopathology of CCl₄-treated rats indicated the partial degeneration of germ and leydig cells along with deformities in spermatogenesis. Supplementation of lettuce extract (100, 150, 200 mg/kg body weight orally) once a week for 10 weeks results in decrease of TBARS and nitrite, while increase in antioxidant enzymes; CAT, POD, SOD, GSH-Px and GSH contents. Serum level of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, prolactin, histology, body weight and relative testis weight was also concomitantly restored to near normal level by lettuce extract supplementation to CCl₄-intoxicated rat.

Conclusions

The results clearly demonstrate that lettuce extract treatment augments the antioxidants defense mechanism against CCl₄-induced toxicity and provides evidence that it may have a therapeutic role in free radical mediated diseases.     

Quercetin Prevents Oxidative Stress in Cirrhotic Rats

Our aim was to study the protective effect of quercitin on liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in rats and its relationship with liver morphology. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g were randomly divided into three groups: control, CCl₄, and CCl₄+ quercetin. Rats in the experimental groups were given CCl₄ (0.5 ml/kg i.p.), diluted 1:6 in vegetable oil (5 mmol/kg body wt), at 10:00 p.m. every 4 days for 17 weeks. Quercetin (500 μl/kg i.p.; 150 μmol/kg body wt) or vehicle was administered at 6:00 p.m. for the last 3 weeks of the study. Control group rats were given only olive oil for the same period. At the end of the 17 weeks, all rats were sacrificed. Blood samples were taken for determination of serum indicators (ALT, AST, total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, factor V) and the livers were dissected out and divided into two parts: one was homogenized and the supernatant was used for measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, as well as lipid peroxidation. The other part was used for the histopathological study. CCl₄ caused a marked rise in serum levels of ALT, AST, total bilirubin, and conjugated bilirubin, as well as a decrease in factor V (P<0.05). Lipid peroxidation levels were significantly increased, whereas GSH, SOD, catalase, GPx, and GST levels were decreased in the liver of CCl₄-treated rats. Quercetin (50 mg/kg/day) successfully attenuated these effects of CCl₄. We conclude that quercetin has beneficial effects on liver fibrosis in rats by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and decreasing the pro-oxidant effect.     

Effects of salviainolic acid A (SA‐A) on liver injury: SA‐A action on hepatic peroxidation

Abstract: Background/Aims: This study aimed to investigate the actions of salviainolic acid A (SA‐A), an antiperoxidative component of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Sm), on rat liver injury and fibrosis. Methods: Acute and chronic rat liver injury models were established using carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). After 48 h (acute) or during 6 weeks of CCl₄ injection, rats were further divided and treated with biphenyl dimethyl‐dicarboxylate (BDD) or colchicine, as a control antifibrotic treatment, with Sm, a herbal compound, or SA‐A, a water‐soluble extract of Sm. Liver function was investigated by assessing alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities, histological analysis, hydroxyproline (Hyp) and malondiadehyde (MDA) content. In vitro, isolated cultured hepatocytes were injured with CCl₄ gas for 24 h, followed by treatment with either vitamin E or various concentrations of SA‐A. The extent of hepatocyte injury was monitored by analyzing various lipid peroxidative parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), lactase dehydrogenase (LDH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐PX) levels in hepatocyte supernatants. Results: SA‐A significantly decreased abnormal serum ALT activity both in acutely and chronically injured rat livers, decreased abnormal serum AST activity, Hyp and MDA content and attenuated hepatic collagen deposition. After CCl₄ incubation and injury, the activities of AST, ALT CAT, GSH‐PX and LDH and MDA content in hepatocyte supernatants increased significantly, but GSH levels decreased significantly. SA‐A markedly improved these pathological changes in a dose‐dependent manner. 10^?4 mol/l SA‐A had stronger inhibitory action than vitamin E. Conclusions: Our studies suggest that SA‐A has antiperoxidative effects on injured hepatocytes in liver injury and fibrosis induced by CCl₄.     

Nephroprotective effects of Colpomenia sinuosa (Derbes & Solier) against carbon tetrachloride induced kidney injury in Wistar rats

ObjectiveTo establish the protective effect of seaweed Colpomenia sinuosa against carbon tetra chloride (CCl₄) induced oxidative stress and resultant dysfunction of rat kidney.MethodsSeven to eight weeks old male Wistar rats (150–220 g) were exposed to CCl4 (1.5 ml/kg) injection then treated with seaweed Colpomenia sinuosa (100 mg/kg body weight in 0.3% CMC solution). Blood was collected at the 5th day of experimental period to estimate the Total count (TC), Hemoglobin (HB), Total protein (TP), Glucose, Albumin, Cholesterol, TGL and Urea.ResultsThe results shows significantly decreased (P < 0.01) level of TC, the cholesterol and urea levels shows significantly increased (P < 0.05) in CCl₄ treated groups when compared to control groups. These levels were found to be normalized by oral feeding of C. sinuosa. Then the rats were sacrificed and kidneys taken for enzyme analyses and histological examination. In the CCl₄ treated group significantly increased activities in TBARS, SOD, CAT, GPX, GSH (P < 0.05) when compared to control group. These increased activities were found to near normal in the CCl₄ + C. sinuosa treated group and Seaweed C. sinuosa treated alone group did not change any enzyme activity. Exposure to CCl₄ resulted hydrobhic changes in epithelium and Hypercellulartity of glomerulus was seen in the CCl₄ + drug treated group.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the nephroprotective effect of C. sinuosa can be attributed to its enhancing effects on antioxidant defense system and lead to prevent the damage by exposure of CCl4 toxicity.     

Hormonal modulation of antioxidant enzyme activities in young and old rats

The correlation between serum levels of pituitary and thyroid hormones and the activity of two antioxidant enzymes (AOE), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), in different immune and nonimmune organs of young and old rats was investigated. Serum levels of growth hormone (GH), prolactin (Prl), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroxine (T₄), and triiodothyronine (T₃) as well as the activity of AOE in liver (CAT and SOD), spleen (CAT and SOD), thymus (SOD) and mammary tissue (SOD) were determined in 7- and 29-month-old Sprague-Dawley female rats. A marked hyperprolactinemia and lower levels of TSH, LH, FSH and GH were observed in the old rats when compared to the young ones (p < 0.05). Old animals showed a higher SOD activity in liver and thymus but a lower activity in spleen than their young counterparts (p < 0.05). In addition, CAT activity in spleen was lower in old than in young rats (p < 0.05). The Spearman's test revealed a positive correlation between: 1) serum levels of TSH and the activity of SOD in liver and 2) serum levels of Prl and GH and the activity of SOD in mammary tissue of young and old animals (p < 0.05). Likewise, CAT in liver showed a highly significant correlation with serum TSH (but not T₄ and T₃) levels in young (p < 0.01) but not in old rats. Our results confirm that aging is associated with alterations in the endocrine balance and the activity of AOE in lymphoid as well as in nonimmune organs. In addition, our findings suggest that Prl and GH may be physiological modulators of mammary SOD activity, and that TSH can possibly influence the activity of both CAT and SOD in liver via a thyroid-independent pathway. Furthermore, our data show that, when significant, the correlation between hormone levels and AOE activity deteriorates with age.     

Hypoglycemic effect of Costus pictus D. Don on alloxan induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in albino rats

ObjectiveTo demonstrate the effect of aqueous extract of Costus pictus (C. pictus) leaves on blood glucose, lipid profile and liver antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in alloxan induced diabetic rats.MethodsAqueous extract of C. pictus (AECP) leaves was administered orally for 30 days and its effect on blood glucose, lipid profile, hepatic marker enzymes such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum urea, creatinine, protein and albumin content and liver antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidation in alloxan induced diabetic rats were examined.ResultsOral administration of aqueous extract of C. pictus leaves to diabetic rats for 30 days significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, liver marker enzymes, urea, creatinine and increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes.ConclusionsThe aqueous extract of C. pictus leaves controls the blood glucose level, improves lipid metabolism and prevents diabetic complications associated with lipid peroxidation and also maintains the antioxidant enzymes in experimental diabetic rats. Therefore, it can be recommeded for the prevention of diabetes mellitus.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of marine halophyte Luminetzera racemosa bark extract in CCL(4) induced hepatotoxicity

ObjectiveTo identify the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Luminetzera racemosa (L. racemosa) bark extract.MethodsWistar albino rats were divided into 6 groups: Group 1 served as control; Group 2 served as hepatotoxin (CCL₄ treated) group; Group 3 served as positive control (Silymarin) treated groups; Group 4, 5 and 6 served as (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg bw p.o.) L. racemosa bark extract treated groups. Moreover, in vitro antioxidant indexes, including DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (HRSA), NO, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) and super oxide dismutase (SOD) were also analyzed in the bark extract.ResultsThe results suggested that, the level of serum glutamate oxyloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatise (ALP), bilurubin, cholesterol, sugar and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly (P<0.05) increased in hepatotoxin treated rats when compared with the control group. But, the maximum reduction of SGOT [(225.36±13.65) IU/L], SGPT [(96.85±17.36) IU/L], ALP [(315.37±17.16) IU/L], bilirubin [(2.97±0.46) mg/dL], cholesterol [(163.73±17.54) mg/dL], sugar [(127.35±27.35) mg/dL] and LDH [(1 784.00±268.36) IU/L] were observed with 300 mg/kg bw of bark extract treated rats. Histopathological scores showed that, no visible changes were observed with high dose (300 mg/kg bw) of bark extract treated rats except mild fatty changes. The in vitro antioxidant assays showed that, the IC₅₀ values were observed as (44.17±6.87) μg/mL, (42.45±2.81)μg/mL, (62.37±3.98)μg/mL, (54.24±3.09)μg/mL, (87.25±5.90) μg/mL and (71.54±5.42)μg/mL for DPPH, HRSA, NO, FRAP, LPO and SOD radical scavenging activities, respectively.ConclusionsThe hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the bark extract might be to the presence of unique chemical classes such as flavonoids, alkaloids and polyphenols.     

Ameliorative effects of phyllanthin on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic oxidative damage in mice

ObjectiveTo evaluate the liver protecting efficacy of phyllanthin, a lignin, isolated from the leaves of Phyllanthus amarus using mice model.MethodsPhyllanthin was orally administered with or without CCl₄ for 30 d. Serum levels of hepatic marker enzymes namely alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were evaluated. Oxidative stress was ascertained by measuring hepatic lipid peroxidation levels and by estimating non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione, total ascorbic acid, enzymatic antioxidants namely catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione transferase. Histopathological and ultramicroscopic analyses were also carried out.ResultsOral administration of CCl₄ caused significant increase in lipid peroxidation. The hepatic levels of both non-enzymatic antioxidants and enzymatic antioxidants were significantly lowered in CCl₄-treated mice as compared to control. Treatment with phyllanthin significantly mitigated these changes in the CCl₄-treated mice. Histopathological and ultramicroscopic studies correlated well with the biochemical findings, as phyllanthin treatment reversed the alterations induced by the toxin and the subcellular features of phyllanthin treated mice were similar to those present in the normal mouse liver.ConclusionsThis study reports the in vivo anti-hepatotoxic potential of this isolated molecule phyllanthin, which may be responsible for the liver protecting property of Phyllanthus amarus.     

Isolation and in vivo hepatoprotective activity of Melothria heterophylla (Lour.) Cogn. against chemically induced liver injuries in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate hepatoprotective activity of ethanol extract of Melothria heterophylla Lour Cogn. (EEMH) against CCl₄-induced hepatic damage in rats.Methodsβ-sitosterol was isolated by column chromatography and characterized spectroscopically. Two different doses (200 and 400 mg/kg bw) of EEMH were administered orally in alternate days. The hepatoprotective activity was studied in liver by measuring biochemical parameters such as serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein and total bilirubin. Lipid peroxidation product and different antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed in liver homogenate.ResultsEEMH reduced all biochemical parameters and lipid peroxidation, as well as it increased the antioxidant enzyme activities in comparison with silymarin. The protective effect of the extract on CCl₄ induced damage was confirmed by histopathological examination of the liver.ConclusionsThis result strongly supports the protective effect of EEMH against acute liver injury, and may be attributed to its antioxidative activity.     

Evaluation of chemopreventive effect of Fumaria indica against N-nitrosodiethylamine and CCl4-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in Wistar rats

ObjectiveTo investigation the chemopreventive potential of Fumaria indica (F. indica) extract (FIE) on N-nitrosodiethylamine and CCl₄-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Wistar rats.MethodsThe experimental animals were divided into six groups (n=6). Hepatocellular carcinoma was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in normal saline at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight followed by weekly subcutaneous injections of CCl₄(3 mL/kg/week) for 6 weeks, as the promoter of carcinogenic effect. After administration of the carcinogen, 200 and 400 mg/kg of FIE were administered orally once a day throughout the study. At the end of 20 weeks, the body weight, liver weight and relative liver weight were measured. The percentage of nodule incidence and liver cancer markers such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), total bilirubin level (TBL), α-feto protein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen were estimated along with histopathological investigation in experimental groups of rats.ResultsObtained results demonstrated that the cotreatment with FIE significantly prevented the decrease of the body weight and also increased in relative liver weight caused by NDEA. The treatment with FIE significantly reduced the nodule incidence and nodule multiplicity in the rats after NDEA administration. The levels of liver cancer markers such as AST, ALT, ALP, γ-glutamyl transferase, TBL, AFP and carcinoembryonic antigen were substantially increased by NDEA treatment. However, FIE treatment significantly reduced the liver injury and restored the entire liver cancer markers. Histological observations of liver tissues too correlated with the biochemical observations.ConclusionsThese finding powerfully supports that F. indica exert chemopreventive effect by suppressing the tumor burden and restoring the activities of hepatic cancer marker enzymes on NDEA and CCl₄-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Wistar rats.     

Hepatoprotective effect of Premna corymbosa (Burm. f.) Rottl. & Willd. leaves extract on CCl4 induced hepatic damage in Wistar albino rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the hepetoprotective activity of Premna corymbosa leaves against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatic damage.MethodsHepatotoxicity was induced in wistar rats of both sexes by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄, 1 mL/kg body weight for every 72 h. The ethanolic extract of Premna corymbosa leaves were administrated at doses of 200 & 400 mL/kg body weight, p. o., daily for 14 days. The hepatotoxicity and its prevention was assessed by serum markers like serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP), serum triglycerides (STG), serum total protein (STP), serum cholesterol (SC), and liver wet weight and histopathological studies of the liver.ResultsIn treatment with the ethanolic extract, the toxic effect of CCl₄ was controlled significantly (P < 0.01) by restoration of the levels of biochemical parameters as compared to normal and standard drug silymarin treated groups. The liver weight was reduced by the ethanolic extract treated groups. The histopathology of the liver sections evidenced the hepatoprotective activity.ConclusionThe ethanolic extract of the leaves of Premna corymbosa possess significant acute hepatoprotective activity. Premna corymbosa can be recommended for the liver disorders.