Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of methanol extract of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ficus glomerata</Emphasis>

The present study was carried out to evaluate Ficus glomerata extracts for antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. The methanol extract of the bark of F. glomerata showed potent in vitro antioxidant activity when compared to the root methanol extract. In the in vivo studies, the CCl₄ treated control rats showed a significant alteration in the levels of antioxidant and hepatoprotective parameters. The methanol extract of the bark when given orally along with CCl₄ at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight showed a significant reversal of these biochemical changes towards the normal when compared to CCl₄-treated control rats in serum, liver and kidney. The results were comparable to those observed for standard sylimarin. Histological studies also confirmed the same. The results indicated the potent hepatoprotective and antioxidant nature of the bark extract.     

Assessment of anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective potency of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Polyalthia longifolia</Emphasis> var. pendula leaf in Wistar albino rats

The objective of the present study was to screen various solvent extracts of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula (Annonaceae) leaf for anti-inflammatory activity and to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective potency of the potent solvent extract. Successive extraction was performed with six different solvents, viz. petroleum ether, hexane, toluene, chloroform, acetone and methanol. Toluene, chloroform, acetone and methanol were used in acute inflammatory studies; the results revealed methanol as most potent extract. Hence three concentrations of methanolic extract (300, 600, 900 mg/kg) were used to evaluate its potential as an anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective agent. Diclofenac sodium was used as the toxicant in hepatoprotective studies, in which various serum biochemical parameters and liver glycogen were assessed. The three concentrations of methanol showed anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of the control (Diclofenac sodium). All the serum biochemical parameters studied revealed the hepatoprotective nature of the methanol extract, but a concentration effect was not observed. The results indicated that the methanolic extract of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula leaf possesses significant anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity. However, the appropriate effective concentration needs to be determined.     

Antioxidative burst and hepatoprotective effects of ethanol root extract of Hippocratea africana against paracetamol-induced liver injury

Abstract

Context: Hippocratea africana (Willd.) Loes. ex Engl. (Celastraceae) root is used traditionally as an antipoison or antidote to treat liver diseases.

Objective: To evaluate antioxidative burst and hepatoprotective potentials of H. africana against paracetamol-induced liver injury in rats.

Materials and method: Antioxidative burst activity of the extract (1–100?µg/ml) in whole blood, neutrophils and macrophages was investigated using a luminol/lucigenin-based chemiluminescence assay. The hepatoprotective effect of the extract (200–600?mg/kg) was evaluated by the assay of liver function parameters, antioxidant enzymes and histopathological studies of the liver. GC-MS analyses of hexane and dichloromethane fractions were also carried out.

Results and discussion: The root extract/fractions exerted pronounced inhibition of oxidative burst activity in whole blood, neutrophils (intracellular and extracellular) and macrophages (3.04–99.70%). The administration of the root extract caused significant (p?<?0.05–0.001) reduction of high levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP), total cholesterol, direct and total bilirubin as well as elevation of serum levels of total protein, albumin and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH). Histology of the liver sections of extract and silymarin-treated animals showed reductions in the pathological features compared to the paracetamol-treated animals. The chemical pathological changes were consistent with histopathological observations suggesting a marked hepatoprotective effect of the root extract of H. africana. The GC-MS analysis revealed some pharmacologically active compounds.

Conclusion: The results show that the root extract of H. africana has hepatoprotective potential probably due to its antioxidative burst activity.     

Characterization of bioactive compounds and ameliorative effects of Ceratonia siliqua leaf extract against CCl4 induced hepatic oxidative damage and renal failure in rats

Ceratonia siliqua is a typical Mediterranean plant, mainly used in food and Tunisian traditional folk medicine. Among the tested extracts, the ethyl acetate fraction (EACs) exhibited the highest total phenolic and flavonoids content. The antioxidant activity in vitro systems showed a more significant potent free radical scavenging activity of this extract than other analysis fractions. The HPLC finger print of EACs active extract showed the presence of six phenolic compounds. The in vivo results showed that oral administration of CCl₄ enhanced levels of hepatic and renal markers (ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, γ-GT, urea and creatinine) in the serum of experimental animals. It also increased the oxidative stress markers resulting in increased levels of the lipid peroxidation with a concomitant decrease in the levels of enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx) in both liver and kidney. The pre-treatment of experimental rats with 250 mg/kg (BW) of the EACs, by intraperitoneal injection for 8 days, prevented CCl₄ induced disorders in the levels of hepatic and kidney markers. The biochemical changes were in accordance with histopathological observations suggesting a marked hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effect of the EACs extract.     

Antineoplastic and antioxidant activities of Oxystelma esculentum on Swiss albino mice bearing Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma

The present study investigated the antitumor effect and antioxidant role of the methanol extract of Oxystelma esculentum R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) (MEOE) on tumor growth and the host survival time with mice. The antitumor and antioxidant potential of Oxystelma esculentum were studied against Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma cell line (EAC) treated mice. MEOE was administered at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight (bw) once a day for 9 days after 24 h of tumor inoculation. Among the treated animals, six animals were sacrificed for biochemical and tumor analysis, and the remaining four groups were kept to study lifespan. On day 10, the parameters of tumor volume, packed cell volume, viable, and non-viable cell count were studied. Hematological and liver biochemical parameters, and antioxidant enzymes such as lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), etc. were estimated. Decreases in tumor volume, packed cell volume, and viable cell count were observed in MEOE-treated mice when compared to EAC-treated mice. Treatment with MEOE at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg increased the mean survival time to 29.66 ± 0.71 and 34.33 ± 2.34 days, compared with EAC-treated mice at 19.16 ± 1.13 days. The extract also decreased the body weight of the EAC-bearing mice. Hematological profiles indicated a decrease in white blood cells (WBC), an increase in red blood cells (RBC), and, thereby, Hemoglobin (Hb). MEOE restored all the parameters of hematological profiles to approximately normal. Treatment with MEOE decreased the levels of LPO and increased the levels of GSH, SOD, and CAT. These data indicate the methanol extract of Oxystelma esculentum exhibits significant antitumor activity, which might be due to the antioxidant effects on EAC bearing hosts.     

Antitumor efficacy and amelioration of oxidative stress by Trichosanthes dioica root against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice

Context: Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae) is a dioecious climber, traditionally used in India for several medicinal purposes.

Objective: The present study assessed the hydroalcoholic extract of T. dioica root (TDA) for antitumor effect and antioxidant influence against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice.

Methods: Twenty four hours after intraperitoneal inoculation of tumor (EAC) cells in mice, TDA was administered at 5 and 10?mg/kg body weight daily for 9 consecutive days. On the 10th day, half of the mice were sacrificed for estimation of tumor proliferation, hematological, and liver antioxidant parameters viz. lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT); and the rest were kept alive for assessment of increase in life span. The antitumor effect of TDA was assessed by evaluating tumor weight, tumor volume, packed cell volume, viable and non-viable tumor cell counts, median survival time and percentage increase in life span of EAC bearing mice.

Results and discussion: TDA exhibited dose dependent and significant (p?<?0.001) decrease in tumor weight, tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count and extended the life span of EAC bearing hosts. Hematological profiles were significantly (p?<?0.001) restored near to normal in TDA treated mice as compared to EAC control. TDA treatment significantly (p?<?0.001) modulated the aforesaid liver antioxidant parameters as compared to EAC control.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that TDA possessed promising antitumor efficacy in mice, plausibly mediated by amelioration of oxidative stress by multiple mechanisms.     

Hepatoprotective properties of Morinda pubescens J.E. Smith (Morinda tinctoria Roxb.) fruit extract

The present study evaluated the hepatoprotective properties of Morinda pubescens fruit extract against d-galactosamine (d-GalN)-induced liver injury in rats. The fruit extract of M. pubescens was administrated orally at 200 mg/kg of body weight daily once for 21 days and at 21st day, d-GalN (500 mg/kg of body weight) was injected intraperitoneally in rats, to induce liver damage. In d-GalN administrated rats, significant increase in the levels of serum marker enzymes and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in liver and decreased serum and liver antioxidant levels were observed. Pre-treatment with fruit extract to rats reduced the elevated levels of serum marker enzymes and also improves the levels of fucose, ceruloplasmin, and uric acid. Administration of M. pubescens fruit extract prevented increase of LPO and alteration in iron content in experimental animals, besides, considerably increased the levels of glutathione (GSH) and vitamin E when compared to d-GalN intoxicated animals. The present results suggest that the M. pubescens fruit extract has liver-protective property against d-GalN-induced liver injury in rats, which was further confirmed by histopathological studies. The hepatoprotective potentials of fruits of M. pubescens may be due to the presence of phenols and alkaloids, as analyzed by preliminary phytochemical analysis of fruit extract.     

Antitumor activity of Sansevieria roxburghiana rhizome against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice

Context: Sansevieria roxburghiana Schult. & Schult. f. (Agavaceae) is a herbaceous perennial plant traditionally used for coughs, rheumatism; as an expectorant, febrifuge, purgative, and tonic.

Objective: To evaluate the hydroalcoholic extract of S. roxburghiana rhizome (HASR) for antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice.

Methods: Twenty-Four hours after intraperitoneal inoculation of tumor (EAC) cells in mice, HASR was administered at 50 and 100?mg/kg body weight for nine consecutive days. On day 10 half of the mice were sacrificed and rest were kept alive for assessment of increase in life-span. The antitumor effect of HASR was assessed by evaluating tumor volume, packed cell count, viable and non-viable tumor cell count, median survival time and increase in life-span of EAC bearing hosts. Hematological profiles and serum biochemical parameters were estimated. Further, antioxidant properties were assessed by estimating lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT).

Results and discussion: HASR showed a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count and increased the life span of EAC bearing mice. Hematological and serum biochemical profiles were restored to normal levels in HASR treated mice as compared to EAC control. HASR treatment significantly (p <0.001) decreased lipid peroxidation and recovered GSH, SOD and CAT towards normal as compared to EAC control.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that S. roxburghiana rhizome exhibited remarkable antitumor activity in Swiss mice that is plausibly attributable to its augmenting endogenous antioxidant mechanisms.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of gallic acid in paracetamol‐induced liver damage in mice

Objectives The aim of this research paper was to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of gallic acid in paracetamol‐induced liver damage in mice. Methods In the present study, the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of gallic acid were evaluated against paracetamol‐induced hepatotoxicity in mice and compared with the silymarin, a standard hepatoprotective drug. The mice received a single dose of paracetamol (900 mg/kg body weight i.p.). Gallic acid (100 mg/kg body weight i.p.) and silymarin (25 mg/kg body weight i.p.) were administered 30 min after the injection of paracetamol. After 4 h, liver marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase) and inflammatory mediator tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) were estimated in serum, while the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione‐S‐transferase and glutathione) were determined in liver homogenate of the control and experimental mice. Key findings Increased activities of liver marker enzymes and elevated TNF‐α and lipid peroxidation levels were observed in mice exposed to paracetamol (P < 0.05), whereas the antioxidant status was found to be depleted (P < 0.05) when compared with the control group. However gallic acid treatment (100 mg/kg body weight i.p.) significantly reverses (P < 0.05) the above changes by its antioxidant action compared to the control group as observed in the paracetamol‐challenged mice. Conclusions The results clearly demonstrate that gallic acid possesses promising hepatoprotective effects.     

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant,anticancer and in vivo antitumour activity of Termitomyces clypeatus MTCC 5091

Context: Termitomyces clypeatus (Lyophyllaceae) is a filamentous edible mushroom, having ethnomedicinal uses. However, information about the antioxidant, anticancer and antitumour properties of this mushroom remains to be elucidated.

Objective: The study examines the in vitro antioxidant, anticancer and in vivo antitumour activity of T. clypeatus.

Materials and methods: Antioxidant activity was evaluated with seven in vitro assays. Cytotoxicity of T. clypeatus was tested against a panel of cancer cells lines including U373MG, MDA-MB-468, HepG2, HL-60, A549, U937, OAW-42 and Y-79 using MTT assay. The antitumour activity of aqueous extract was evaluated against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumour model in Swiss albino mice.

Results: HPLC analysis of aqueous extract revealed the presence of sugar entities. Termitomyces clypeatus showed excellent in vitro antioxidant activity. Termitomyces clypeatus was found cytotoxic against all cancer cells, among which it showed higher activity against U937 (IC₅₀ 25?±?1.02?μg/mL). Treatment of EAC-bearing mice with varied doses of aqueous extract significantly (p?<?0.01) reduced tumour volume, viable tumour cell count and improved haemoglobin content, RBC count, mean survival time, tumour inhibition and % increase life span. The enhanced antioxidant status in treated animals was evident from the decline in the levels of lipid peroxidation, increased levels of glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase.

Discussion: The analyzed data indicate that the aqueous extract of T. clypeatus exhibits significant antitumour activity, which might be due to the antioxidant effects on EAC bearing hosts.

Conclusion: Termitomyces clypeatus possesses anticancer activity, valuable for application in food and drug products.     

Terpenoids of methanol extract of Clerodendrum infortunatum exhibit anticancer activity against Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma (EAC) in mice

Context: Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. is a widely used plant in the Indian indigenous system of medicine for the treatment of tumors.

Objective: The present study evaluated the anticancer activity of methanol extract of C. infortunatum (MECI) against Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing Swiss albino mice and isolation of bioactive terpenoids from it.

Methods: HPLC analysis of the methanol extract showed the presence of three major components. Out of those, two compounds were isolated and characterized as oleanolic acid and clerodinin A. The anticancer activity of MECI was assessed by measuring the tumor growth response, percentage increase of life span, study of hematological parameters, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity like glutathion and CAT. In vitro cytotoxicity assay was also performed using EAC cell lines.

Result and conclusion: Treatment with MECI causes significant decrease in the tumor cell volume and increase in the life span. The median survival time (MST) of EAC control group was found as 19.42?±?0.91 d, whereas the MST was increased to 23.44?±?2.69 d and 27.57?±?2.57 d for the groups treated with MECI at 100 and 200?mg/kg, respectively. All the hematological parameters, malonaldehyde content and antioxidant enzymes’ activity were restored towards the normal level. IC₅₀ value of MECI was found as 498.33 µg/mL in cytotoxicity study. The experimental results suggested that MECI has significant anticancer activity, which can be attributed to the presence of oleanolic acid and clerodinin A.     

Hepatoprotective effect of polyphenols rich methanolic extract of Amorphophallus commutatus var. wayanadensis against CCl4 induced hepatic injury in swiss albino mice

The present study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of Amorphophallus commutatus var. wayanadensis against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in mice models. Hepatic injury was induced by injecting 0.2% CCl₄ in olive oil intra peritoneally on 15th day of drug administration. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated by estimating the levels of serum markers like alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin and histopathological studies. Antioxidant potential of the extract was estimated by measuring the levels of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total reduced glutathione in the liver samples. Histopathological and biochemical results elicited the methanolic extract of A. commutatus has significant hepatoprotective activity comparable to the standard silymarin. The extract also showed dose dependent increase of antioxidant enzymes in CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity models. The methanolic extract of A. commutatus showed significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity which might be attributed due to the polyphenolic compounds present in the extract.     

In vitro hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of crude extract and isolated compounds from Ficus gnaphalocarpa

The in vitro hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract from Ficus gnaphalocarpa (Miq.) Steud. ex A. Rich (Moraceae) on the CCl?-induced liver cell damage as well as the possible antioxidant mechanisms involved in this protective effect, were investigated. The phytochemical investigation of this methanolic extract led to the isolation of six compounds identified as: betulinic acid (1); 3-methoxyquercetin (2); catechin (3); epicatechin (4); quercetin (5); and quercitrin (6). The hepatoprotective activity of these compounds was tested in vitro against CCl?-induced damage in rat hepatoma cells. In addition, radical-scavenging activity, β-carotene-linoleic acid model system, ferric-reducing antioxidant parameter and microsomal lipid peroxidation assays were used to measure antioxidant activity of crude extract and isolated compounds. Silymarin and trolox were used as standard references and, respectively, exhibited significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities. (5), (6) and (2) showed significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities as indicated by their ability to prevent liver cell death and lactate dehydrogenase leakage during CCl? intoxication. These results suggest that the protective effects of crude extract of F. gnaphalocarpa against the CCl?-induced hepatotoxicity possibly involve the antioxidant effect of these compounds.     

Effect of terpenoidal fraction of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Echinops echinatus</Emphasis> roots on reproductive parameters of male rats

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of terpenoidal fraction prepared from the petroleum ether extract of the roots of Echinops echinatus on male reproductive parameters. The studies were carried out at two different dose levels of 30 and 60 mg/kg body weight using Wistar albino rats. Treatment with terpenoidal fraction showed a decrease in the relative weight of the reproductive organs without affecting the final body weight of the animals, and a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in serum testosterone levels and cauda epididymal sperm concentration compared with animals in the control group. Histology of the testis in the control group showed normal features with successive stages of transformation of the seminiferous epithelium into spermatozoa, whereas an acute treatment with two different doses of terpenoid fraction showed a significant reduction (P < 0.01) in the seminiferous tubular diameter and germinal epithelial cell thickness. Thus, it was observed that the acute treatment with terpenoid fraction of the E. echinatus roots to male rats exhibits antifertility properties by interfering with the reproductive function of the testis. The fraction was standardised in terms of its marker (lupeol) content using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC).     

In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of a methanol extract of Dregea volubilis leaves with its antioxidant effect

Context: In India, Dregea volubilis (L.f.) Benth. ex Hook.f. (Asclepediaceae), a large twining shrub with a woody vine, is used to treat tumors traditionally.

Objective: This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of the methanol extract of Dregea volubilis leaves (MEDV) and elucidated its possible mechanism of action.

Materials and methods: In vitro antitumor activity of MEDV was evaluated against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell-line. In vivo antitumor and antioxidant activity of MEDV at three dose levels (50, 100, and 200?mg/kg) were determined against EAC tumor-bearing mice. After 24?h of EAC inoculation, the extract was administered for 9 consecutive days. After the administration of the last dose on the 9th day followed by 18?h fasting, mice from all groups were sacrificed to determine antitumor activity and hematological profiles along with liver related biochemical parameters like lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymatic activity, etc.

Results: For in vitro antitumor activity, IC₅₀ value of MEDV for EAC tumor cells was 85.51?±?4.07 µg/ml. The MEDV showed a decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count and an increase in the non-viable cell count of the EAC tumor-bearing mice (p?<?0.001). Hematological profile reverted near to normal level in extract treated mice. MEDV decreased the hepatic lipid peroxidation level and enhanced superoxide dismutase and catalase level in tumor-bearing mice (p?<?0.001).

Discussion and conclusion: MEDV exhibited in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity in EAC tumor-bearing mice mediated through augmenting antioxidant defense system.     

牛樟芝水提取物抗过敏作用及其机制研究

目的 研究牛樟芝水提物的抗过敏作用并初步探讨其作用机制。方法 采用大鼠被动皮肤过敏模型、小鼠迟发型超敏模型、小鼠全身皮肤瘙痒模型、小鼠腹腔毛细血管通透性模型,观察牛樟芝水提物在体抗过敏作用。采用体外培养的RBL-2H3肥大细胞,观察牛樟芝水提物对细胞增殖及凋亡的影响,初步探讨其抗过敏反应的作用机制。结果 体内试验中,牛樟芝水提物显著降低大鼠被动皮肤过敏反应,明显降低小鼠耳肿胀度、胸腺指数及脾指数,提高右旋糖酐所致皮肤瘙痒阈值,减少小鼠瘙痒次数,抑制组胺所致血管通透性上升;体外试验中,其剂量相关性的抑制RBL-2H3细胞增殖,促进细胞凋亡。结论 牛樟芝水提取物有一定的抗过敏作用,其机制与促进RBL-2H3细胞凋亡有关。     

Trichosanthes dioica root extract induces tumor proliferation and attenuation of antioxidant system in albino mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae), called pointed gourd in English, is a dioecious climber grown widely in the Indian subcontinent. The present study assessed the influence of treatment of hydroalcoholic extract of Trichosanthes dioica root (TDA) on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice with effects on antioxidant systems. Twenty-four hours after intraperitoneal inoculation of tumor (EAC) cells in mice, TDA was administered at 25 and 50 mg/kg for 8 consecutive days. On the 9(th) day, half of the mice were sacrificed for estimation of tumor proliferation, hematological, and hepatic antioxidative parameters. The rest were kept for assessment of survival parameters. TDA exhibited dose dependent and significant increase in tumor weight, tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cells and reduced non-viable cells and life span of EAC bearing animals. Hematological parameters were significantly worsened in TDA-treated mice. TDA treatment significantly aggravated the hepatic antioxidative parameters. The present study demonstrated that T. dioica root possessed tumor promoting activity in EAC bearing albino mice, plausibly mediated by attenuation of endogenous antioxidant systems.     

Free radical scavenging and hepatoprotective potential of Ficus microcarpa L. fil. bark extracts

Successive extracts of Ficus microcarpa L. fil. bark (FMB) were tested for antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride- and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicities in rats. The ethyl acetate extract of FMB exhibited significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity by reducing carbon tetrachloride- and paracetamol-induced changes in biochemical parameters as evidenced by enzymatic and histological examination. Pretreatment with ethyl acetate extract of FMB significantly shortened the duration of pentobarbitone-induced necrosis in mice, indicating its hepatoprotective potential. Phytochemical studies confirmed the presence of the phenolic compound, catechin, in FMB, which may interfere with free-radical formation and may account for its significant hepatoprotective effects. The present study thus provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of this plant in the management of liver disorders.     

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 methanolic extract of Hiptage bengalensis leaves against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The objective of the present study was to evaluate hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Hiptage bengalensis (L.) kurz (MEHB) in rats. Hepatic damage was induced by administration of carbontetrachloride(1 ml/kg, b.w, p.o.) in combination with liquid paraffin (1:1) as a single dose on 7th day. The extent of liver damage was studied by estimating biochemical parameters. Administration of MEHB (200 mg & 400 mg/kg) for 6 days before carbontetrachloride administration showed a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of serum liver damage enzymes markers-aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Histopathological changes of hepatic tissue were also evaluated in control and MEHB treated groups. Results also indicated that MEHB possessed potential antioxidant effect by increasing the levels of glutathione and also possessed free radical scavenging activities. The hepatoprotective effect of Hiptage bengalensis (L.) kurz was comparable to standard drug silymarin (50 mg/kg).