Hepatoprotective Effect of Cissus quadrangularis Stem Extract Against Rifampicin-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis against rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.The coarse powder of the shade dried stem of Cissus quadrangularis was subjected to successive extraction in a Soxhlet apparatus using solvents petroleum ether (60-80°) and methanol. Liver damage was induced in Wistar rats by administering rifampicin (54 mg/kg, p.o.) once daily for 30 days. Methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis (500 mg/kg, p.o) was administered 1 h prior to the administration of rifampicin (54 mg/kg, p.o.) once daily for 30 days. Silymarin (50 mg/kg p.o) used as reference drug. Elevated levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline posphatase and bilirubin following rifampicin induction were significantly lowered due to pretreatment with methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis. Rifampicin administration significantly increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant activities like reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutas and catalase. Pretreatment of rats with methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and increased the antioxidant activities. Histology of the liver section of the animals treated with the methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis further confirms the hepatoprotective activity. The results of the present study indicated the hepatoprotective effect of methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis which might be ascribable to its antioxidant property due to the presence of β-carotene.     

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of Cordia macleodii leaves

This investigation was undertaken to evaluate ethanolic extract of Cordia macleodii leaves for possible antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated by four established, in vitro methods viz. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method, nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging method, iron chelation method and reducing power method. The extract demonstrated a significant dose dependent antioxidant activity comparable with ascorbic acid. The extract was also evaluated for hepatoprotective activity by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced liver damage model in rats. CCl₄ produced a significant increase in levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin. Pretreatment of the rats with ethanolic extract of C. macleodii (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg po) inhibited the increase in levels of GPT, GOT, ALP and total bilirubin and the inhibition was comparable with Silymarin (100 mg/kg po). The present study revealed that C. macleodii leaves have significant radical scavenging and hepatoprotective activities.     

Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of Cissus quadrangularis stem extract against isoniazid-induced liver damage in rats

Objective:

The study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) against isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Materials and Methods:

The successive petroleum ether (60–80°C) and methanol extracts of C. quadrangularis were used. Hepatic damage was induced in Wistar rats by administering isoniazid (54 mg/kg, p.o.) once daily for 30 days. Simultaneously, CQ (500 mg/kg p.o) was administered 1 h prior to the administration of isoniazid (54 mg/kg, p.o.) once daily for 30 days. Silymarin (50 mg/kg p.o) was used as a reference drug.

Results:

Elevated levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline posphatase, and bilirubin following isoniazid administration were significantly lowered due to pretreatment with CQ. Isoniazid administration significantly increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decreased antioxidant activities such as reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Pretreatment of rats with CQ significantly decreased LPO and increased the antioxidant activities.

Conclusion:

The results of this study indicated that the hepatoprotective effect of CQ might be attributed to its antioxidant property.     

Hepatoprotective activity of petroleum ether, diethyl ether, and methanol extract of Scoparia dulcis L. against CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice

Objectives:

The present study was aimed at assessing the hepatoprotective activity of 1:1:1 petroleum ether, diethyl ether, and methanol (PDM) extract of Scoparia dulcis L. against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice.

Materials and Methods:

The PDM extract (50, 200, and 800 mg/kg, p.o.) and standard, silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o) were tested for their antihepatotoxic activity against CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice. The hepatoprotective activity was evaluated by measuring aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total proteins in serum, glycogen, lipid peroxides, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase levels in liver homogenate and by histopathological analysis of the liver tissue. In addition, the extract was also evaluated for its in vitro antioxidant activity using 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging assay.

Results:

The extract at the dose of 800 mg/kg, p.o., significantly prevented CCl4-induced changes in the serum and liver biochemistry (P < 0.05) and changes in liver histopathology. The above results are comparable to standard, silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.). In the in vitro 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging assay, the extract showed good free radical scavenging potential (IC 50 38.9 ± 1.0 μg/ml).

Conclusions:

The results of the study indicate that the PDM extract of Scoparia dulcis L. possesses potential hepatoprotective activity, which may be attributed to its free radical scavenging potential, due to the terpenoid constituents.     

Protective Effect of Ethanol Extract of Gymnosporia montana (Roth) Bemth. in Paracetamol-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The aim of the present study was to explore the hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol extract of leaves of Gymnosporia montana (Roth) Bemth. (Family: Celastraceous) against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats was induced by a single intraperitoneal dose of 500 mg/kg of paracetamol and studied by comparing parameters such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and histopathological examination of liver. Pre and post-treatment with ethanol extract of Gymnosporia montana (Roth) Bemth. at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg was studied by comparing the above mentioned parameters with silymarin (100 mg/kg) as standard. Both doses of ethanol extract of Gymnosporia montana (Roth) Bemth. were found to be hepatoprotective. Extract at the dose of 100 mg/kg produced effects comparable to those of silymarin. The present study indicates that alcohol extract of Gymnosporia montana (Roth) Bemth. possessed significant hepatoprotective activity.     

Nanoparticles formulation of Cuscuta chinensis prevents acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Cuscuta chinensis is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine to nourish the liver and kidney. Due to the poor water solubility of its major constituents such as flavonoids and lignans, its absorption upon oral administration could be limited. The purpose of the present study was to use the nanosuspension method to prepare C. chinensis nanoparticles (CN), and to compare the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of C. chinensis ethanolic extract (CE) and CN on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. An oral dose of CE at 125 and 250 mg/kg and CN at 25 and 50mg/kg showed a significant hepatoprotective effect relatively to the same extent (P<0.05) by reducing levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. These biochemical assessments were supported by rat hepatic biopsy examinations. In addition, the antioxidant activities of CE and CN both significantly increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced malondialdehyde (P<0.05). Moreover, the results also indicated that the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of 50 mg/kg CN was effectively better than 125 mg/kg CE (P<0.05), and an oral dose of CN that is five times as less as CE could exhibit similar levels of outcomes. In conclusion, we suggest that the nanoparticles system can be applied to overcome other water poorly soluble herbal medicines and furthermore to decrease the treatment dosage.     

Hepatoprotective Effects and Safety Evaluation of Coumarinolignoids Isolated from Cleome viscosa Seeds

The aim of the present work was to investigate the in vivo hepatoprotective potential of coumarinolignoids (cleomiscosins A, B, and C) isolated from the seeds of C. viscosa. The study was performed against CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Rats were divided into four groups. The animals of group I served as normal and was given only vehicle. Group II served as toxin control and administered with CCl(4) (50% solution liquid paraffin, 2 ml/kg intraperitoneally). The animals of group III received coumarinolignoids (50 mg/kg) for six days orally as well as CCl(4) (2 ml/kg) on 4(th) day i.p. Similarly animals of group IV received silymarin (50 mg/kg) for six days orally as well as CCl(4) on 4(th) day i.p. On 7(th) day various parameters viz. serum glutamyl oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamyl pyruvate transaminase, serum alkaline phosphatase, serum bilirubin, liver glycogen were estimated and histopathology was performed. Additionally, acute oral toxicity of the said coumarinolignoids was carried out in swiss albino mice. The coumarinolignoids were found to be effective as hepatoprotective against CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity as evidenced by in vivo and histopathological studies in small animals. Safety evaluation studies also exhibit that coumarinolignoids are well tolerated by small animals in acute oral toxicity study except minor changes in red blood cell count and hepatic protein content at 5000 mg/kg body weight as a single oral dose. Coumarinolignoids which is the mixture of three compounds (cleomiscosin A, B and C) is showing the significant protective effects against CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity in small animals and also coumarinolignoids are well tolerated by small animals in acute oral study.     

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.     

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).     

Hepatoprotective activity of Leptadenia reticulata stems against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Objective:

To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic and aqueous extract of stems of Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight. and Arn. in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Materials and Methods:

The toxicant CCl₄ was used to induce hepatotoxicity at a dose of 1.25 ml/kg as 1 : 1 mixture with olive oil. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of L. reticulata stems were administered in the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg/day orally for 7 days. Silymarin (50 mg/kg) was used as standard drug. The hepatoprotective effect of these extracts was evaluated by the assessment of biochemical parameters such as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, serum protein, and histopathological studies of the liver.

Results:

Treatment of animals with ethanolic and aqueous extracts significantly reduced the liver damage and the symptoms of liver injury by restoration of architecture of liver as indicated by lower levels of serum bilirubin and protein as compared with the normal and silymarin-treated groups. Histology of the liver sections confirmed that the extracts prevented hepatic damage induced by CCl₄ showing the presence of normal hepatic cords, absence of necrosis, and fatty infiltration.

Conclusion:

The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of stems of L. reticulata showed significant hepatoprotective activity. The ethanolic extract is more potent in hepatoprotection in CCl₄-indiced liver injury model as compared with aqueous extract.     

The anti-snake venom activities of the methanolic extract of the bulb of Crinum jagus (Amaryllidaceae).

The anti-snake venom activities of the methanolic extract of the bulb of Crinum jagus plant (Amaryllidaceae) were investigated in vitro and in vivo against the venoms of three notable snake species: Echis ocellatus, Bitis arietans and Naja nigricollis. The extract was prepared by cold marceration in 50% methanol at 37 degrees C with intermittent shaking for 48 h. An yield of 12.8% w/w dry extract was obtained. Oral administration of C. jagus extract (1000 mg/kg) protected 50% of mice, while injection of a 30 min pre-incubated mixture of the same dose of extract and venom gave 100% protection against the lethal effects of E. ocellatus venom (10 mg/kg, i.m.). The intraperitoneal administration of the extract at 250 mg/kg, 30 min before the injection of E. ocellatus venom (10mg/kg, i.m.), significantly (p<0.05) prolonged the death time of poisoned mice. C. jagus extract (500 mg/kg, per os), gave 50% protection against B. arietans venom (9.5mg/kg, i.m.) in mice while the pre-incubation of a mixture of the same dose of venom and extract (500 mg/kg), prior to injection (i.p.) of the mixture, gave only 33.3% protection. The pre-incubation of 500 mg/kg of C. jagus extract with N. nigricollis venom (6 mg/kg) prior to i.p. injection of the mixture protected 50% of the treated mice. There were generally no significant differences in the death times of mice that were given the same dose of the extract orally 30 min before injection of the venoms and those administered with the pre-incubated mixtures of venom and extract. The pre-incubation of the extract and E. ocellatus venom (5mg/kg) for 30 min, before the i.m. injection of the mixture, significantly reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells to the site of injection 4h post treatment. The concentrations of plasma creatine kinase in poisoned mice were significantly (p<0.01 or p<0.05) reduced after the injection (i.p.) of C. jagus extract (1000 mg/kg) pre-incubated with E. ocellatus (5mg/kg) or B. arietans (7 mg/kg) venom, respectively. The bulb extract of C. jagus blocked the haemorrhagic activity of a standard haemorrhagic dose (2.8 mg/ml) of E. ocellatus venom at various concentrations (1.7, 3.3 and 6.7 mg/ml). The methanolic bulb extract of C. jagus was therefore able to significantly protect mice from death, myonecrosis and haemorrhage induced by the lethal effects of venoms of notable snake species in Nigeria.     

Diuretic effects of young fruit extracts of bombax ceiba L. In rats

The present study was aimed to investigate the diuretic effects of aqueous and crude ethanol extracts of Bombax ceiba L. fruits (family, Bombacaceae) using acute model in rats. A single individual dose of aqueous and ethanol extract of B. ceiba fruit (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, p.o., each), frusemide and hydrochlorothiazide, (25 mg/kg, p.o., each) as reference diuretic drugs, were administered orally to dehydrated rats. Control group rats were fed with normal saline (25 ml/kg, p.o.). All rats were caged in metabolic cages in pairs and their urine output was monitored at 5 and 24 h intervals. Both extracts significantly increased the urine output in higher doses. Although, the onset of this diuretic action was gradual (within 5 h), it lasted throughout the studied period (up to 24 h). Further, the intensity of diuresis induced by aqueous extract (400 mg/kg) in 5 h was almost similar to that of frusemide and hydrochlothiazide. Aqueous extract of B. ceiba fruit also caused marked increase in urinary Na(+) and K(+) levels. However, the routine urinalysis showed non-significant alterations in pH and specific gravity by either dose of crude extracts of B. ceiba fruits. These effects demonstrate possible diuretic actions of B. ceiba fruit extracts and support its folklore use in various urinary ailments. Further studies need to be done to characterize the active phytoconstituents from fruits.     

Antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extract of tubers of Dioscorea alata in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Objective:

To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extract of Dioscorea alata in glucose loaded and alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

The authenticated tubers of D. alata (DA) (JSSCPDP/2008/157) were collected from Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu. The ethanol extract was tested for hypoglycemic activity in normal rats. In oral glucose tolerance test, glucose (3 g/kg, p.o.) was administered to non diabetic control, metformin (250 mg/kg, p.o.) and DA extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) to treat treated rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg, i.p.) in physiological saline after overnight fasting for 18 hours. DA extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) and standard drug metformin (250 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered to diabetic rats for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose level and changes in body weight were measured on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. At the end of 21^st day, serum lipid profile, total protein, albumin, and creatinine were assessed.

Results:

In glucose loaded normal rats, the treatment with the extract of DA had shown a highly significant reduction (P < 0.001) in blood glucose levels at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. The extract did not produce hypoglycemic activity at both the dose levels in normal, fasted rats. In alloxan induced diabetic rats, the body weight of the DA extract treated animals had shown a significant increase (P < 0.001) after 21 days treatment. The blood glucose level was reduced significantly by 47.48% and 52.09% after 21 days treatment at dose levels 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Serum lipid levels, total protein, albumin, and creatinine were reversed toward near normal in treated rats as compared to diabetic control.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that ethanol extract of DA tubers possesses significant antidiabetic activity.     

Anti-dopaminergic effect of the methanolic extract of Morus alba L. leaves

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of Morus alba L. leaves on dopaminergic function.

Materials and Methods:

The effect of the methanolic extract of Morus alba L. leaves was evaluated on haloperidol and metoclopramide induced catalepsy, foot shock-induced aggression, amphetamine-induced stereotyped behavior and phenobarbitone induced sleeping in mice. In each of these tests, the extract was administered in doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min before performing the test in mice. Further, the inhibitory effect of the extract on dopamine was studied using isolated rat vas deferens.

Results:

The extract produced significant dose dependent potentiation of haloperidol (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and metoclopramide (20 mg/kg, i.p.) induced catalepsy in mice. The extract significantly reduced number of fights and increased latency to fights in foot shock-induced aggression; it also decreased amphetamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) induced stereotyped behavior in a dose dependent manner. The sleeping time induced by phenobarbitone (50 mg/kg, i.p.) too was prolonged. The extract inhibited contractions produced by dopamine on isolated rat vas deferens.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that the methanolic extract of Morus alba L. possesses antidopaminergic activity. Further neurochemical investigation can explore the mechanism of action of the plant drug with respect to antidopaminergic functions and help to establish the plant as an antipsychotic agent.     

Zingiber officinale Roscoe alone and in combination with alpha-tocopherol protect the kidney against cisplatin-induced acute renal failure.

Oxidative stress due to abnormal production of reactive oxygen molecules (ROM) is believed to be involved in the etiology of toxicities of many xenobiotics. Evidences suggested that ROM is involved in the nephrotoxicity of a widely used synthetic anticancer drug cisplatin. The nephroprotective effects of ethanol extract of Zingiber officinale alone and in combination with vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) were evaluated using cisplatin (single dose of 10 mg/kg body wt, i.p) induced acute renal damage in mice. The results of the study indicated that Z. officinale significantly and dose dependently protected the nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin. The serum urea and creatinine levels in the cisplatin alone treated group were significantly elevated (P<0.01) with respect to normal group of animals. The levels were reduced in the Z. officinale (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o) plus cisplatin, vitamin E (250 mg/kg) plus cisplatin, and Z. officinale (250 mg/kg) with vitamin E plus vitamin E treated groups. The renal antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and level of reduced glutathione (GSH) were declined; level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was elevated in the cisplatin alone treated group. The activities of SOD, CAT GPx and level of GSH were elevated and level of MDA declined significantly (P<0.05) in the Z. officinale (250 and 500 mg/kg) plus cisplatin and Z. officinale (250 mg/kg) with vitamin E plus cisplatin treated groups. The protective effect of Z. officinale (250 mg/kg body wt) was found to be better than that of vitamin E (250 mg/kg body wt). The results also demonstrated that combination of Z. officinale (250 mg/kg) with vitamin E (250 mg/kg) showed a better protection compared to their 250 mg/kg alone treated groups. This study concluded that ethanol extract of Z. officinale alone and in combination with vitamin E partially ameliorated cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. This protection is mediated either by preventing the cisplatin-induced decline of renal antioxidant defense system or by their direct free radical scavenging activity.     

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).     

Protective effects of Passiflora alata extract pretreatment on carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative damage in rats.

The leaf extract of Passiflora alata Dryander (P. alata) has been demonstrated to possess antioxidant activity in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of P. alata leaf extract pretreatment on carbon tetrachloride-treated rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups: group 1 (control - vehicle), group 2 and 3 (P. alata extract - 1 and 5mg/kg, respectively) and group 4 (trolox - 0.18mg/kg). Rats received daily pretreatment by oral gavage for 30 days followed by a single dose of CCl(4) (3ml/kg i.p. in vegetable oil) on the 30th day and were killed after 6h. The pretreatment with the P. alata extract provided significant protection to liver, evidenced by lower degree of necrosis, decreased lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and higher catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. Additionally, pretreated-rats with P. alata (5mg/kg) showed significantly decreased cardiac TBARS levels. Our results indicate that a low oral dose of P. alata leaf extract has both hepato and cardioprotective effects on rats treated with CCl(4).     

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.     

Zingiber officinale Roscoe prevents acetaminophen-induced acute hepatotoxicity by enhancing hepatic antioxidant status.

A large number of xenobiotics are reported to be potentially hepatotoxic. Free radicals generated from the xenobiotic metabolism can induce lesions of the liver and react with the basic cellular constituents - proteins, lipids, RNA and DNA. Hepatoprotective activity of aqueous ethanol extract of Zingiber officinale was evaluated against single dose of acetaminophen-induced (3g/kg, p.o.) acute hepatotoxicity in rat. Aqueous extract of Z. officinale significantly protected the hepatotoxicity as evident from the activities of serum transaminase and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and ALP activities were significantly (p<0.01) elevated in the acetaminophen alone treated animals. Antioxidant status in liver such as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), a phase II enzyme, and levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) were declined significantly (p<0.01) in the acetaminophen alone treated animals (control group). Hepatic lipid peroxidation was enhanced significantly (p<0.01) in the control group. Administration of single dose of aqueous extract of Z. officinale (200 and 400mg/kg, p.o.) prior to acetaminophen significantly declines the activities of serum transaminases and ALP. Further the hepatic antioxidant status was enhanced in the Z. officinale plus acetaminophen treated group than the control group. The results of the present study concluded that the hepatoprotective effect of aqueous ethanol extract of Z. officinale against acetaminophen-induced acute toxicity is mediated either by preventing the decline of hepatic antioxidant status or due to its direct radical scavenging capacity.     

Antioxidant potential of the methanol-methylene chloride extract of Terminalia glaucescens leaves on mice liver in streptozotocin-induced stress

Aim:

The antioxidant effect of the methanol–methylene chloride extract of Terminalia glaucescens (Combretaceae) leaves was investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced oxidative stress.

Methods:

Oxidative stress was induced in mice by a daily dose of STZ (45 mg/kg body weight i.p.) for five days. From day one, before STZ injection, normal and diabetic-test mice received an oral dose of the extract (100 or 300 mg/kg b.w.) daily. Plasma metabolites, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes in the liver were assessed and gain in body weight recorded.

Results:

In normal mice the plant extract reduced food and water intake, blood glucose and LDL-C level and body weight gain, did not affect the lipid peroxidation in the liver, while the antioxidant enzyme activities seemed increased. Blood glucose was decreased (P < 0.05) in normal mice treated with 300 mg/kg extract. Diabetic mice pretreated with 100 mg/kg extract as diabetic control mice (DC) showed significant (P < 0.001) body weight loss, polyphagia and polydipsia, high plasma glucose level, decrease in the liver catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities, and increase in lipid peroxidation. The HDL-C level was lowered (P < 0.05) whereas LDL-C increased. In 300 mg/kg extract-pretreated diabetic mice the extract prevented body weight loss, increase of blood glucose level, lipid peroxidation in liver, food and water intake, and lowering of plasma HDL-C level and liver antioxidants; this extract prevented LDL-C level increase.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that T. glaucescens protects against STZ-induced oxidative stress and could thus explain its traditional use for diabetes and obesity treatment or management.