Hepatoprotective effects of rubiadin, a major constituent of Rubia cordifolia Linn

The hepatoprotective effects of rubiadin, a major constituent isolated from Rubia cordifolia Linn., were evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic damage in rats. Rubiadin at a dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg was administered orally once daily for 14 days. The substantially elevated serum enzymatic activities of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) due to carbon tetrachloride treatment were dose dependently restored towards normalization. Meanwhile, the decreased activities of glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase were also restored towards normalization. In addition, rubiadin also significantly prevented the elevation of hepatic malondialdehyde formation and depletion of reduced glutathione content in the liver of CCl4 intoxicated rats in a dose dependent manner. Silymarin used as standard reference also exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity on post treatment against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The biochemical observations were supplemented with histopathological examination of rat liver sections. The results of this study strongly indicate that rubiadin has a potent hepatoprotective action against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage in rats.     

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.     

Hepatoprotective effect of leaf extracts of Andrographis lineata nees on liver damage caused by carbon tetrachloride in rats

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Andrographis lineata (Acanthaceae) extracts in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats. Male Wistar rats with chronic liver damage, induced by subcutaneous injection of 50% v/v carbon tetrachloride in liquid paraffin at a dose of 3 mL/kg on alternate days for a period of 4 weeks, were treated with methanol and aqueous extracts of A. lineata orally at a dose of 845 mg/kg/day. The biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase were estimated to assess the liver function. Histopathological studies of the liver were also carried out to confirm the biochemical changes. Histopathological examinations of liver tissue corroborated well with the biochemical changes. The activities of extracts were comparable to a standard drug. Hepatic steatosis, hydropic degeneration and necrosis were observed in the carbon tetrachloride treated group, while these were completely absent in the standard and extract treated groups. A. lineata extracts exhibited hepatoprotective action against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury. The present investigation established pharmacological evidence to support the folklore claim that it is used traditionally as a hepatoprotective agent.     

Hepatoprotective effect of Vitis vinifera L. leaves on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver damage in rats

The hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract and its four different fractions (CHCl(3), EtOAc, n-BuOH, and remaining water fraction) of Vitis vinifera L. leaves was investigated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. The ethanolic extract was found active at 125mg/kg dose (per os). The ethanolic extract was fractionated through successive solvent-solvent extractions and the n-BuOH fraction in 83mg/kg dose possessed remarkable antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. Liver damage was assessed by using biochemical parameters (plasma and liver tissue MDA [malondialdehyde], transaminase enzyme levels in plasma [AST-aspartate transaminase, ALT-alanine transferase] and liver GSH [glutathione] levels). Additionally, the pathological changes in liver were evaluated by histopathological studies. Legalon 70 Protect was used as standard natural originated drug.     

Evaluation of hepatoprotective effect of Amalkadi Ghrita against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in rats

Amalkadi Ghrita (AG), a polyherbal formulation, was evaluated for its hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatic damage in rats. The hepatoprotective activity of AG was evaluated by measuring levels of serum marker enzymes like serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and acid phosphatase (ACP). The serum levels of total proteins and bilirubin were also estimated. The histological studies were also carried out to support the above parameters. Silymarin was used as standard drug. Administration of AG (100 and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) markedly prevented CCl₄-induced elevation of levels of serum GPT, GOT, ACP, ALP, and bilirubin. The decreased level of total proteins due to hepatic damage induced by CCl₄ was found to be increased in AG-treated group. The results are comparable to that of silymarin. A comparative histopathological study of liver exhibited almost normal architecture, as compared to CCl₄-treated group. Hepatoprotective effect of AG is probably due to combined action of all ingredients.     

Hepatoprotective effect of extracts from Pergularia daemia Forsk

Pergularia daemia (Asclepiadaceae) is a perennial herb growing widely along the road sides of India. It has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of liver disorders. The aim of this work is to study the hepatoprotective effect of crude ethanolic and aqueous extracts from the aerial parts of Pergularia daemia. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts obtained from aerial parts of Pergularia daemia were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity in rats by inducing liver damage by carbon tetrachloride. The ethanolic extract at an oral dose of 200 mg/kg exhibited a significant (P<0.05) protective effect by lowering serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and total cholesterol and increasing the levels of total protein and albumin levels as compared to silymarin used as a positive control. These biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. The activity may be a result of the presence of flavonoid compounds. Furthermore, the acute toxicity of the extracts showed no signs of toxicity up to a dose level of 2000 mg/kg. Thus it could be concluded that ethanolic extract of Pergularia daemia possesses significant hepatoprotective properties.     

Hepatoprotective activity of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz flowers against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dried flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. Family Lythraceae are used in variety of diseases in traditional Indian system of medicine including hepatic ailments. AIMS OF STUDY: The aim of present study was to validate hepatoprotective activity of flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Petroleum ether (WF1), chloroform (WF2), ethyl alcohol (WF3) and aqueous (WF4) extracts of the flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity using biochemical markers, hexobarbitone sleep time, bromosulphalein (BSP) clearance test and effect on bile flow and bile solids. RESULTS: The aqueous extract (WF4) was most potent among the four extracts studied in detail. WF4 showed significant hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity as evident by restoration of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and triglycerides. The restoration of microsomal aniline hydroxylase and amidopyrine-N-demethylase activities indicated the improvement in functional status of endoplasmic reticulum. Restoration of lipid peroxidation and glutathione contents suggests the antioxidant property of WF4. The recovery in bromosulphalein clearance and stimulation of bile flow suggested the improved excretory and secretary capacity of hepatocytes. Light microscopy of the liver tissue further confirmed the reversal of damage induced by hepatotoxin. CONCLUSION: Present study showed that the aqueous extract of Woodfordia fruticosa significantly restores physiological integrity of hepatocytes. WF4 did not show any sign of toxicity up to oral dose of 2g/kg in mice.     

Anti-hepatotoxic effects of root and root callus extracts of Cichorium intybus L

The natural root and root callus extracts of Cichorium intybus were compared for their anti-hepatotoxic effects in Wistar strain of Albino rats against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage. The increased levels of serum enymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase) and bilirubin observed in rats treated with carbon tetrachloride were very much reduced in the animals treated with natural root and root callus extracts and carbon tetrachloride. The decreased levels of albumin and proteins observed in rats after treatment with carbon tetrachloride were found to increase in rats treated with natural root and root callus extracts and carbon tetrachloride. These biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. Results of this study revealed that Cichorium intybus root callus extract could afford a better protection against carbon tetrachloride induced heptocellular damage as compared to the natural root extract.     

Calotropis procera latex affords protection against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats

In the present study, latex of Calotropis procera possessing potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties was evaluated for its hepatoprotective effect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Subcutaneous injection of CCl(4,) administered twice a week, produced a marked elevation in the serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Histological analysis of the liver of these rats revealed marked necro-inflammatory changes that were associated with increase in the levels of TBARS, PGE(2) and catalase and decrease in the levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Daily oral administration of aqueous suspension of dried latex (DL) of Calotropis procera at 5, 50 and 100mg/kg doses produced a dose-dependent reduction in the serum levels of liver enzymes and inflammatory mediators and attenuated the necro-inflammatory changes in the liver. The DL treatment also normalized various biochemical parameters of oxidative stress. Our study shows that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of DL and silymarin were comparable and suggests that DL could be used as a hepatoprotective agent.     

Hepatoprotective activity of Trianthema portulacastrum L. against paracetamol and thioacetamide intoxication in albino rats

The ethanolic extract of Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Aizoaceae) showed a significant dose dependent (100 mg, 200 mg/kg p.o. 10x) protective effect against paracetamol and thioacetamide induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. The degree of protection was measured by using biochemical parameters like serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin (BRN), and total protein (TP). The plant extract completely prevented the toxic effects of paracetamol (acetaminophen) and thioacetamide on the above serum parameters. A significant hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic extracts of Trianthema portulacastrum L. was reported.     

Hepatoprotective activity of Luffa echinata fruits

The different extracts of the fruits of Luffa echinata Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae) were tested for their hepatoprotective activity against CCl(4) induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. The degree of protection was measured by using biochemical parameters like serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), total protein (TP) and total albumin (TA). The petroleum ether, acetone and methanolic extracts showed a significant hepatoprotective activity comparable with those of Silymarin.     

Hepatoprotective effects of Pittosporum neelgherrense Wight&Arn., a popular Indian ethnomedicine

The stem bark of Pittosporum neelgherrense Wight&Arn. is used by the Kani and Malapandaram tribes of Kerala as an effective antidote to snake bite and for the treatment of various hepatic disorders. In the present study, the effect of the methanolic extract of the stem bark of Pittosporum neelgherrense was studied against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-, d-galactosamine (D-GalN)- and acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Significant hepatoprotective effects were obtained against liver damage induced by all the three liver toxins, as evident from decreased levels of serum enzymes, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and an almost normal architecture of the liver in the treated groups, compared to the toxin controls. Thus the present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of this plant in the management of liver diseases.     

Antihypercholesterolaemic and antioxidant activity assessment of some plants used as remedy in Turkish folk medicine

Ethanolic and aqueous extracts from five plant species used in Turkish traditional medicine were evaluated for in vivo hypercholesterolaemic and antioxidant activities: Agrostemma githago L., Potentilla reptans L., Thymbra spicata var. spicata L., Urtica dioica L. and Viscum album var. album L. We assayed the effects of the administration of plant extracts on serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, LDL-C, glucose, AST and ALT concentrations in mice fed with cholesterol-rich diet. In addition, plasma TAA, MDA and NO(x) levels in the same animals were assayed. All the aqueous plant extracts did not affect the serum cholesterol concentration. However, the ethanolic extracts of Agrostemma githago, Thymbra spicata and Viscum album decreased the serum cholesterol concentration in the mice fed with high-cholesterol diet without inducing any gastric damage. The ethanolic extracts of Thymbra spicata, Viscum album, Potentilla reptans and Urtica dioica and the aqueous extract of Agrostemma githago increased the serum HDL concentration, whereas the ethanolic extracts of Agrostemma githago, Thymbra spicata, Viscum album and Urtica dioica decreased the serum LDL-C concentration. Thymbra spicata and Viscum album were observed to decrease the serum triglyceride concentration. Among the plant extracts studied, the ethanolic extracts of Thymbra spicata significantly decreased the MDA level in mice. The ethanolic extract of Potentilla reptans increased in NO(x). None of these plants showed statistically prominent activity on plasma TAA. Results of the present study indicated that the ethanolic extracts of Agrostemma githago, Thymbra spicata and Viscum album showed potent hypocholesterolaemic activity in the mice fed with a diet containing high-cholesterol.     

In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract from Meconopsis integrifolia (Maxim.) Franch

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Meconopsis integrifolia (Maxim.) Franch is a high mountain endemic species used as a traditional Tibetan and Mongolian herb to treat hepatitis, pneumonia, and edema. This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Meconopsis integrifolia ethanolic extract (MIE) in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods

The in vitro antioxidant property of MIE was investigated by employing various established systems. Rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury were used to assess the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of MIE in vivo. The level or activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TB) in the blood serum and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) in the liver and kidney of the rats were assayed using standard procedures.

Results

MIE exhibited strong antioxidant ability in vitro. In the rats with CCl₄-induced liver injury, the groups treated with MIE and silymarin showed significantly lower levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and TB. MIE demonstrated good antioxidant activities in both the liver and kidney of the rats in vivo.

Conclusions

MIE exhibits excellent hepatoprotective effects and antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo, supporting the traditional use of Meconopsis integrifolia in the treatment of hepatitis.     

Pharmacological evaluation of Ipomoea asarifolia (Desr.) against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ipomoeaasarifolia (Desr.) Roem. and Schult. is used traditionally in some parts of Africa for the treatment of a variety of diseases. This study attempts to validate its hepatoprotective activity by evaluating the prophylactic and curative properties of the methanolic extract of Ipomoea asarifolia (IA) leaves.

Materials and Methods

Liver damage was induced by administering 0.5 ml/kg of an equal mixture of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in olive oil intraperitoneally on alternate days, for 5 days and the plant extract was given orally daily, for 7 days at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg.

Results

Pre-treatment with the extract significantly (P<0.05) decreased CCl₄-induced elevation in serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, bilirubin and cholesterol, better than the standard drug silymarin at 100 mg/kg. In the curative study, IA significantly (P<0.05) reversed CCl₄-induced liver damage, comparable to silymarin. Hepatoprotective potential was further supported by decrease in pentobarbitone sleeping time and improved hepatic tissue histopathology.

Conclusion

These results indicate that I. asarifolia leaves have potent hepatoprotective activity against CCl₄-induced hepatic damage in rats.     

Further studies on the hepatoprotective effects of Cochlospermum tinctorium rhizomes.

The hepatoprotective activity of the rhisome of Cochlospermum tinctorium was investigated using carbon tetrachloride toxicity on mouse and tert-butyl hydroperoxide in vitro induction of lipid peroxidation and hepatocyte lysis. Aqueous, hydro-ethanolic and ethanolic extracts showed significant dose-dependent hepatoprotective actions. The ethanolic extract showed a hepatoprotective activity at lower doses than silymarin. The ethanolic and hydro-ethanolic extracts exhibited remarkable effects against the induction of lipid peroxidation and hepatocyte lysis; the aqueous extract showed comparatively weaker effects. These differences were related to the chemical composition of the extracts. Among the identified constituents of the drug, phenolic and polyphenolic compounds (gallic and ellagic acids, ellagitannins, flavonoids), carotenoids, triterpenes could be related to the biological activity.     

Hepatoprotective activity of two plants belonging to the Apiaceae and the Euphorbiaceae family

The different extracts of Apium graveolens Linn. (Apiaceae) and Croton oblongifolius Roxb. (Euphorbiaceae) were tested for their hepatoprotective activity against CCl(4) induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. The degree of protection was measured by using biochemical parameters like serum transaminases (SGOT and SGPT), alkaline phosphatase, total protein and albumin. The methanolic extracts showed the most significant hepatoprotective activity comparable with standard drug silymarin. Other extracts namely petroleum ether and acetone also exhibited a potent activity.     

Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of Kyllinga nemoralis (Hutch & Dalz) rhizomes

Aim of study

In view of the use of rhizomes of Kyllinga nemoralis L., against hepatopathy in ethnomedicine the present study was aimed at evaluating the hepatoprotective activity of the rhizomes of Kyllinga nemoralis against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Materials and methods

Hepatotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by carbon tetrachloride and olive oil (50%, v/v). i.p. ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts of Kyllinga nemoralis rhizomes were administered to the experimental rats (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. for seven days). The hepatoprotective effect of these extracts was evaluated by the assay of liver function biochemical parameters and histopathological studies of the liver compared with silymarin.

Results

Both extracts showed significant hepatoprotection when compared to control, similar to standard silymarin. Histology of liver sections also revealed that the extracts protected liver from injury.

Conclusions

The study identified a plant with potential hepatoprotective constituents which will be isolated and characterized in future.     

In Vivo Hepatoprotective Effect of Baicalein,Baicalin and Wogonin from Scutellaria rivularis

The in vivo hepatoprotective effect of baicalein, baicalin and wogonin, three major components isolated from Scutellaria rivularis Benth. were investigated in three experimental models. Liver damage was induced by acetaminophen (APAP), carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and β-D -galactosamine (D -GalN) in rats. Significant protective effects were seen by comparing the serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (sGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (sGPT) and histopathologic examination. All tested drugs, especially wogonin (5 mg/kg), markedly decreased the toxicity produced by D -GalN ( p <0.01). Wogonin (5, 10 mg/kg) also decreased APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Baicalin (10 mg/kg) exhibited the best hepatoprotective effect on CCl₄-induced liver injuries, but had no significant effect on APAP-induced intoxication. In histopathologic observation, hepatic lesions caused by three hepatotoxins were markedly improved in drug-treated groups, compared with glycyrrhizin (GLZ) as a standard reference medicine.     

Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity of peh-hue-juwa-chi-cao in male rats

Peh-hue-juwa-chi-cao (PHJCC) is a common commercial name for the herbal extract of either Hedyotis diffusa (HD), H. corymbosa (HC), or Mollugo pentaphylla (MP). The present study was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of these three extracts in rats. The results indicated that extracts of HC, HD and MP possess anti-inflammatory activity, and that MP has the greatest inhibition against carrageenan-induced paw edema. In the hepatoprotective study, results indicated that the three plant extracts significantly reduced the acute elevation of serum glutamate oxalate transaminase (sGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (sGPT) concentration, and alleviated the degree of liver damage 24 hours after the intraperitoneal administration of hepatotoxins.