Antioxidant and antihepatotoxic activities of Phellinus rimosus (Berk) Pilat

The antioxidant and antihepatotoxic activities of a wood inhabiting macrofungus, Phellinus rimosus were studied. The superoxide anion scavenging, Fe(2+)-ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation inhibiting, hydroxyl radical scavenging and nitric oxide scavenging activities of the ethyl acetate extract were determined. The results indicated that ethyl acetate extract of P. rimosus exhibited significant in vitro antioxidant activity. The ethyl acetate extract of P. rimosus also showed potent antihepatotoxic activity against carbontetrachloride-induced acute toxicity in rat liver. The amelioration of liver toxicity by the ethyl acetate extract was evident from its significant effect on the levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The results suggest that hepatoprotective effect of P. rimosus is possibly related to the free radical scavenging activity.     

Gastroprotective effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on experimental gastric ulcer in rats

The effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) compared to omeprazole was studied on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer. The aqueous extract and a gel fraction isolated from the seeds showed significant ulcer protective effects. The cytoprotective effect of the seeds seemed to be not only due to the anti-secretory action but also to the effects on mucosal glycoproteins. The fenugreek seeds also prevented the rise in lipid peroxidation induced by ethanol presumably by enhancing antioxidant potential of the gastric mucosa thereby lowering mucosal injury. Histological studies revealed that the soluble gel fraction derived from the seeds was more effective than omeprazole in preventing lesion formation. These observations show that fenugreek seeds possess antiulcer potential.     

Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in diabetic rats

The effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on blood lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in alloxan diabetic rats was studied. Increased lipid peroxidation and alterations in circulating antioxidants were observed in the diabetic state. The levels of glutathione, ascorbic acid and β‐carotene in blood were significantly lowered and α‐tocopherol content was increased. Supplementation of fenugreek seeds in the diet lowered lipid peroxidation. The contents of glutathione and β‐carotene were increased and the α‐tocopherol content was lowered. The level of ascorbic acid was unaltered. The level of antioxidants were higher in normal rats which were fed with the fenugreek supplemented diet compared with control animals which were fed commercial rat chow. The study shows that disrupted free radical metabolism in diabetic animals may be normalized by fenugreek seed supplementation in the diet.­Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. standardized extract

Orthosiphon stamineus (OS), Benth. (Lamiaceae) is widely used in Malaysia for treatments of various kidney and liver ailments. In the experiment, DPPH* radicals scavenging, Fe(3+)-induced lipid peroxidation inhibiting activities and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of methanol/water extract of Orthosiphon stamineus (SEOS) were determined. The results indicated that SEOS exhibited antioxidant, lipid peroxidation inhibition and free radical scavenging activities. The hepatoprotective activity of the SEOS was studied using CCl(4)-induced liver toxicity in rats. The activity was assessed by monitoring liver function tests through the measurement of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). Furthermore, hepatic tissues were also subjected to histopathological studies. Pretreatment of SEOS (125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o.) dose-dependently reduced the necrotic changes in rat liver and inhibited the increase of serum ALT and AST activities. The results of the present study indicated that the hepatoprotective effect of Orthosiphon stamineus might be ascribable to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging property.     

Antioxidant properties of germinated fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is used as a spice, vegetable and a medicinal plant. Since antioxidant properties have been linked to health benefits of natural products, such properties were studied in germinated fenugreek seeds which are considered to be more beneficial than dried seeds. Different fractions of the germinated seeds were used to determine their antioxidant potential at different levels. The assays employed were ferric reducing antioxidant power, radical scavenging by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ferrylmyoglobin/2,2'-azobis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, pulse radiolysis, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in mitochondrial preparations from rat liver. An aqueous fraction of fenugreek exhibited the highest antioxidant activity compared with other fractions. As the quantity of phenolic and flavonoid compounds can be related to antioxidant activity, the contents from these extracts were measured. HPLC analysis was carried out to detect polyphenols, flavonoids and other components. This study reveals significant antioxidant activity in germinated fenugreek seeds which may be due partly to the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols.     

Antioxidant activity of Cinnamomum cassia

The antioxidant activities of hot water extracts (HWECC) and ethanol extracts (EECC) from the dry bark of Cinnamomum cassia Presl were evaluated in this study. Results showed that at 1.0 mg/mL, the ethanol extracts of C. cassia (96.30%) exhibited a greater inhibition than the alpha-tocopherol (93.74%) on FeCl(2)-ascorbic acid induced lipid peroxidation of rat liver homogenate in vitro. From 0.05 to 1.0 mg/mL, the EECC demonstrated the highest superoxide anions scavenging activity and the strongest anti-superoxide formation activity (p < 0.05). The same extract also showed an excellent antioxidant activity in enzymatic and nonenzymatic liver tissue oxidative systems. EECC revealed the strongest antioxidant activity followed by alpha-tocopherol and HWECC. Compared to alpha-tocopherol, the IC(50) values of EECC were found to be lower in thiobarbituric acid test (IC(50) = 0.24 mg/mL vs 0.37 mg/mL), in cytochrome c test (IC(50) = 0.16 mg/mL vs 0.27 mg/mL) and in xanthine oxidase inhibition test (IC(50) = 0.09 mg/mL vs 0.19 mg/mL). The present study concludes that EECC could be used as a good source of antioxidant in the dietary supplement.     

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effects of Murdannia bracteata Methanol Extract

Murdannia bracteata (C. B. Clarke) is a local plant that is widely used in Malaysia as a traditional remedy for various diseases of the kidney and liver, including inflammation and cancer. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of M. bracteata methanol extract (MB). 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, lipid peroxidation inhibition and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity of MB were determined. The hepatoprotective activity of MB was studied using a CCl₄-induced liver toxicity model in rats. The hepatoprotective effect was assessed by monitoring the plasma malondialdehyde level and serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities. Histopathological changes of hepatic tissue were also investigated. The results indicated that MB possessed potential antioxidant, lipid peroxidation inhibition and free radical scavenging activities. Pretreatment of rats with MB (500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg per os) before induction of CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity showed a dose-dependent reduction in the necrotic changes in hepatic tissue. The increases in plasma malondialdehyde level, serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities were also significantly inhibited by MB. The total phenolic content of MB determined using Folin-Ciocalteu assay was found to be 10%. The results of the present study indicated that the hepatoprotective effect of MB is most likely due to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Hygrophila auriculata (K. Schum) Heine Acanthaceae root extract

Hygrophila auriculata (K. Schum) Heine (syn. Asteracantha longifolia Nees, Acanthaceae) was widely used in the Indian systems of medicine for the treatment of various liver ailments. The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of the roots was studied on CCl(4)-induced liver toxicity in rats. The activity was assessed by monitoring the various liver function tests, viz. alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein and total bilirubin. Furthermore, hepatic tissues were subjected to histopathological studies. The root extract was also studied for its in vitro antioxidant activity using ferric thiocyanate (FTC) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) methods. The extract exhibited significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities.     

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) on carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rats

The present study was conducted to determine whether lyophilized aqueous extract of alfalfa, or Medicago sativa L. could exert antioxidant activity against carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress and liver injury in rats. The hepatoprotective activity of alfalfa extract was determined by assessing the levels of serum transaminases, ALP, bilirubin and lipid profile. Further, the effect of the test substance on malondialdehyde (MDA), an end product of lipid peroxidation; antioxidant liver enzyme non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH); and total protein (TP) were also studied. Serum transaminase, ALP, bilirubin level, lipid profile and liver MDA were significantly elevated and the antioxidant status in liver NP-SH and TP contents were declined in animals treated with CCl (4) alone. Pretreatment with alfalfa and silymarin for three weeks prior to the administration of CCl (4) significantly prevented the increase in the serum levels of hepatic marker, LDL, VLDL levels enzymes and reduced oxidative stress indicated by elevated NP-SH and TP concentration. The histopathological examination of the livers also showed that the alfalfa extract reduced the incidence of liver lesions induced by CCl (4). The in vitro antioxidant assessment of alfalfa extract on DPPH and carotene-linoleic assays demonstrated a moderate antioxidant potential. Results suggest that the alfalfa extract possesses hepatoprotective and antioxidative stress properties possibly through its antioxidant phytochemical constituents and substantiates its use in various liver disorders as a hepatoprotector.     

Chemoprevention and cytotoxic effect of Bauhinia variegata against N-nitrosodiethylamine induced liver tumors and human cancer cell lines

The chemopreventive and cytotoxic effect of ethanol extract of Bauhinia variegata (EBV) was evaluated in N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN, 200 mg/kg) induced experimental liver tumor in rats and human cancer cell lines. Oral administration of ethanol extract of Bauhinia variegata (250 mg/kg) effectively suppressed liver tumor induced by DEN as revealed by decrease in DEN induced elevated levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, gamma glutamate transpeptidase (GGTP), lipid peroxidase (LPO), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). The extract produced an increase in enzymatic antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and catalase) levels and total proteins when compared to those in liver tumor bearing rats. The histopathological changes of liver samples were compared with respective controls. EBV was found to be cytotoxic against human epithelial larynx cancer (HEp2) and human breast cancer (HBL-100) cells. These results show a significant chemopreventive and cytotoxic effect of ethanol extract of Bauhinia variegata against DEN induced liver tumor and human cancer cell lines.     

Antioxidant properties of Asparagus racemosus against damage induced by gamma-radiation in rat liver mitochondria

The possible antioxidant effects of crude extract and a purified aqueous fraction of Asparagus racemosus against membrane damage induced by the free radicals generated during gamma-radiation were examined in rat liver mitochondria. gamma-Radiation, in the dose range of 75-900 Gy, induced lipid peroxidation as assessed by the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH). Using an effective dose of 450 Gy, antioxidant effects of A. racemosus extract were studied against oxidative damage in terms of protection against lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, depletion of protein thiols and the levels of the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. An active fraction consisting of polysaccharides (termed as P3) was effective even at a low concentration of 10 microg/ml. Both the crude extract as well as the P3 fraction significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. The antioxidant effect of P3 fraction was more pronounced against lipid peroxidation, as assessed by TBARS formation, while that of the crude extract was more effective in inhibiting protein oxidation. Both the crude extract and P3 fraction also partly protects against radiation-induced loss of protein thiols and inactivation of superoxide dismutase. The inhibitory effects of these active principles, at the concentration of 10 microg/ml, are comparable to that of the established antioxidants glutathione and ascorbic acid. Hence our results indicate that extracts from A. racemosus have potent antioxidant properties in vitro in mitochondrial membranes of rat liver.     

Protective role of Melissa officinalis L. extract on liver of hyperlipidemic rats: a morphological and biochemical study

In this study, the effects of Melissa officinalis L. extract on hyperlipidemic rats were investigated, morphologically and biochemically. The animals were fed a lipogenic diet consisting of 2% cholesterol, 20% sunflower oil and 0.5% cholic acid added to normal chow and were given 3% ethanol for 42 days. The plant extract was given by gavage technique to rats to a dose of 2 g/kg every day for 28, 14 days after experimental animals done hyperlipidemia. The degenerative changes were observed in hyperlipidemic rats, light and electron microscopically. There was a significant increase in the levels of serum cholesterol, total lipid, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a significant decrease in the levels of liver tissue glutathione (GSH), a significant increase in the levels of tissue lipid peroxidation (LPO) in this group. On the other hand, the administration of Melissa officinalis L. extract reduced total cholesterol, total lipid, ALT, AST and ALP levels in serum, and LPO levels in liver tissue, moreover increased glutathione levels in the tissue. As a result, it was suggested that Melissa officinalis L. extract exerted an hypolipidemic effect and showed a protective effect on the liver of hyperlipidemic rats.     

Determination of antioxidant activity of lichen Cetraria islandica (L) Ach

The study was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of C. islandica. The antioxidant activity, reducing power, superoxide anion radical scavenging and free radical scavenging activities were studied. The antioxidant activity increased with the increasing amount of extracts (from 50 to 500 microg) added to linoleic acid emulsion. About 50, 100, 250, and 500 microg of aqueous extract of C. islandica showed higher antioxidant activity than 500 microg of alpha-tocopherol. The samples showed 96, 99, 100, and 100% inhibition on peroxidation of linoleic acid, respectively. On the other hand, the 500 microg of alpha-tocopherol showed 77% inhibition on peroxidation on linoleic acid emulsion. Like antioxidant activity, the reducing power, superoxide anion radical scavenging and free radical scavenging activities of C. islandica depends on concentration and increasing with increased amount of sample. The results obtained in the present study indicate that C. islandica is a potential source of natural antioxidant.     

Effect of the alcohol extract of the seeds of Mucuna pruriens on free radicals and oxidative stress in albino rats

In vitro and in vivo studies were made with an alcohol extract of the seeds of Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae) to investigate its antioxidant property. In vitro studies were carried out in rat liver homogenate to investigate the chemical interaction of various phytochemicals with different species of free radicals. The effect was also checked on iron-induced lipid peroxidation, oxidation of GSH content, and its interaction with hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. There was no change on the rate of aerial oxidation of GSH content but it significantly inhibited FeSO(4) induced lipid peroxidation. It also inhibited the specific chemical reactions induced by superoxides and hydroxyl radicals. The removal of these species was through direct chemical interaction. An in vivo study on albino rats for 30 days showed no toxic effect up to a dose of 600 mg/kg body weight, on oral administration. There was no change in the level of TBA-reactive substances, reduced glutathione content and SOD activity in the liver. The activity of serum GOT, GPT and alkaline phosphatase was also unchanged. Thus it could be concluded that the alcohol extract of the seeds of M. pruriens has an antilipid peroxidation property, which is mediated through the removal of superoxides and hydroxyl radicals.     

Effect of Cardiospermum halicacabum on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats

Ethanol extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. (Sapindaceae), in a concentration dependant manner (200-600mg/kg) inhibited gastric ulcers induced by oral administration of absolute ethanol. Further, the extract administration to rats resulted in an increase in levels of gastric glutathione and a decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity. The extract also exhibited potent in vitro hydroxyl radical scavenging and inhibition of lipid peroxidation activities. The extract was found to be devoid of any conspicuous acute and short-term toxicity in rats.     

Reversal of Experimental Ethanol‐induced Liver Steatosis by Borage Oil

The aim of study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of borage oil containing predominantly gamma‐linolenic acid in rats with alcoholic steatohepatitis. Liver of ethanol‐treated animals was characterized by fatty and hydropic dystrophies. Liver triglyceride contents and activitiies of serum marker enzymes were significantly increased. Ethanol increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH)‐induced chemiluminescence and the contents of liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The reduced glutathione content in the liver was decreased. Ethanol enhanced liver microsomal cytochrome P‐450 (CYP450) content, aniline p‐hydroxylase and amydopyrine‐N‐demethylase activities. The treatment with borage oil improved the liver morphology, decreased triglyceride contents and normalized serum marker enzyme activities. Borage oil developed an antioxidant effect in ethanol‐treated rats. The treatment with this compound decreased NADPH‐induced chemiluminescence and the content of lipid peroxidation products. Borage oil normalized CYP450 content compared with the ethanol‐treated group. CYPI450 2E1 isoform is a main source of free oxygen radicals in the liver of ethanol‐treated rats and we propose that the antioxidant effect of borage oil is realized via the normalization of CYP450 content and activities of CYP450‐related microsomal oxidases, as borage oil can improve the lipid surrounding of CYP450. In our opinion, the hepatoprotection by borage oil in alcoholic steatosis is connected with its antioxidant properties. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Retama raetam subsp. Gussonei

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the methanol extracts of Retama raetam subsp. gussonei leaves and seeds. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed by means of two different tests: (1) bleaching of the stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical; and (2) lipid peroxidation of liposomes which were prepared from bovine brain extract. In both tests used leaves extract showed a significant antioxidant effect. The extract of leaves also demonstrated a good cytotoxic activity against COR-L23 (large cell carcinoma) cell line.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Cuscuta chinensis against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Tu-Si-Zi, the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (Convolvulaceae), is a traditional Chinese medicine that is commonly used to nourish and improve the liver and kidney conditions in China and other Asian countries. As oxidative stress promotes the development of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity, the aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant activities of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C chinensis on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The C chinensis ethanolic extract at an oral dose of both 125 and 250mg/kg showed a significant hepatoprotective effect relatively to the same extent (P<0.05) by reducing levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In addition, the same ethanolic extract prevented the hepatotoxicity induced by APAP-intoxicated treatment as observed when assessing the liver histopathology. Regarding the antioxidant activity, C chinensis ethanolic extract exhibited a significant effect (P<0.05) by increasing levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In contrast, the same doses of the aqueous extract of C chinensis did not present any hepatoprotective effect as seen in the ethanolic extract, and resulted in further liver deterioration. In conclusion, these data suggest that the ethanolic extract of Cuscuta chinensis can prevent hepatic injuries from APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and this is likely mediated through its antioxidant activities.     

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of ethanol extract of Arachniodes exilis (Hance) Ching

Aim of the study

The study was aimed to investigate the ethanol extract of Arachniodes exilis for the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.

Materials and methods

Antioxidant activity was evaluated by different assays, including reducing power, lipid peroxidation, 2, 2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide. The hepatoprotective activity of ethanol extract was studied on mice liver damage induced by CCL₄ by monitoring biochemical parameters.

Results

The extract showed potent activities on reducing power, lipid peroxide, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide. And oral administration of Arachniodes exilis at different doses resulted in significant improvement on the levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, malondialchehyche and superoxidedismutase.

Conclusion

The results indicate that this plant possesses potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties and has therapeutic potential for the treatment of liver diseases.     

Antihepatotoxic biochemical effects of kolaviron,a biflavonoid of Garcinia kola seeds

Male rats (200–220 g) were treated with toxic doses of carbon tetrachloride (2 mL/kg per day i.p., for 3 days) to induce liver damage. Another group of rats received kolaviron, a biflavonoid extract from seeds of Garcinia kola (500 mg/kg, i.p.) 1 h prior to receiving carbon tetrachloride. Tests for liver function were performed on all animals. The activities of glutamic oxaloacetatetransaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) and glutamic dehydrogenase (GLDH) in serum were determined, as were the concentrations of hepatic glutathione (GSH) and triglyceride in liver. Hepatic lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in the liver. Carbon tetrachloride induced marked depletion of GSH and increased the formation of MDA and triglyceride in the liver, as well as causing significant increases in activities of the serum enzymes assessed. Pretreatment with kolaviron significantly attentuated all the alterations caused by carbon tetrachloride. The antihepatotoxic action of kolaviron was clearly demonstrated in the model of hepatitis employed in this study.