A new flavonolignan from milk thistle (Silybum marianum).

A new flavonolignan, sonyamandin (1), along with other known compounds was isolated from the aerial parts and seeds extracts of Silybum marianum (milk thistle) collected from Jordan. The known ones are ursolic acid (2), oleanolic acid (3), maslinic acid (4), oleic acid (5), ß-sitosterol (6), ß-, sitosteryl glucoside (7), apigenin (8), kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside (9), apigenin-7-O-ß-D-glycoside (10), isosylibin A (11), isosylibin B (12), and silybin B (13). The absolute stereochemistry of 1 was confirmed by 2D NMR and CD analysis.

Two new iridoid glycosides from the whole plant of Rehmania piasezkii.

Two new iridoid glycosides, piasezkiiosides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from aqueous extract of the whole plant of Rehmannia piasezkii. Their structures were established from the spectroscopic data, chemical transformation, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 exhibited weak hepatoprotective activity against APAP-induced HepG2 cell damage.

Bithiophene and coumestan derivatives from Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. and their hepatoprotective activity.

One new bithiophene derivative, 5-(but-3-en-1-yn-1-yl)-5'-(methoxymethyl)-2,2'-bithiophene (1), along with twelve known compounds, senecioester (2), tiglinsaureester (3), 5-acetoxymethyl-2'-(but-3-en-1-yn-1-yl)-2,5'-bithiophene (4), 5-(4-isovaleroyloxybut-1-ynyl)-2,2'-bithiophene (5), 5-hydroxymethyl-(2,5':2',5'')-terthienyl tiglate (6), 5-hydroxymethyl-(2,5':2',5'')-terthienyl agelate (7), 5- hydroxymethyl-2,5':2',5''-terthiophene dimethylacrylate (8), 5-methoxymethyl-2,2':5',2''-terthiophene (9), α-terthiophene (10), 1,3,8,9-tetrahydroxycoumestan 3-sulfate (11), demethylwedelolactone (12), and wedelolactone (13) were isolated from the methanol extract of aerial parts of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. All isolated compounds were evaluated for the protective ability on the HepG2 cells. At the concentration of 100 µM, compounds 11-13 showed the highest hepatoprotective effects, with HepG2 cell viability ranging from 38.68% to 48.54%. Bithiophenes showed higher hepatoprotective cell viability than terthiophenes.

Isolation, Purification, Fractionation, and Hepatoprotective Activity of Polygonatum Polysaccharides.

In this study, three homogeneous fractions, PSP-N-b-1, PSP-N-b-2, and PSP-N-c-1, were obtained from an aqueous extract of Polygonatum using DEAE cellulose column chromatography, CL-6B agarose gel chromatography, and Sephadex G100 chromatography. Their monosaccharide compositions and molecular weights were analyzed. The results revealed that PSP-N-b-1, PSP-N-b-2, and PSP-N-c-1 are primarily composed of six monosaccharides: Man (mannose), GlcA (glucuronic acid), Rha (rhamnose), GalA (galacturonic acid), Glc (glucose), and Ara (arabinose), with molecular weights of 6.3 KDa, 5.78 KDa, and 3.45 KDa, respectively. Furthermore, we observed that Polygonatum polysaccharides exhibited protective effects against CCL4-induced liver damage in HepG2 cells in vitro, operating through both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Our research findings suggest that Polygonatum polysaccharides may emerge as a promising option in the development of hepatoprotective drugs or functional foods with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

[A new benzopyran glycoside from Gentiana macrophylla].

Thirteen compounds were isolated and identified from 70% ethanol extract of the roots of Gentiana macrophylla by multi-chromatographic methods, including microporous resin, silica gel, and C_(18) reversed-phase column chromatography, as well as HPLC as follows: macrophylloside G(1), macrophylloside D(2), 5-formyl-2,3-dihydroisocoumarin(3),(+)-medicarpin(4),(+)-syringaresinol(5), liquiritigenin(6),(3R)-sativanone(7),(3R)-3'-O-methylviolanone(8), 4,2',4'-trihydroxychalcone(9), latifolin(10), gentioxepine(11), 6α-hydroxycyclonerolidol(12), and ethyl linoleate(13). Compound 1 was a new benzopyran glycoside. Compounds 4, 6-10, 12, and 13 were isolated for the first time from Gentiana plants. Compounds 1 and 2 showed promising hepatoprotective activity against D-GalN-induced AML12 cell damage at the concentration of 10 µmol·L~(-1), and compound 2 exhibited more significant activity than silybin at the same concentration.

Chemical Constituents and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory, Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activities of Ampelopsis grossedentata.

Ampelopsis grossedentata is a valuable medicinal and edible plant, which is often used as a traditional tea by the Tujia people in China. A. grossedentata has numerous biological activities and is now widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. In this study, two new flavonoids (1-2) and seventeen known compounds (3-19) were isolated and identified from the dried stems and leaves of A. grossedentata. These isolated compounds were characterized by various spectroscopic data including mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All isolates were assessed for their α-glucosidase inhibitory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities, and their structure-activity relationships were further discussed. The results indicated that compound 1 exhibited effective inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, with an IC50 value of 0.21 µM. In addition, compounds 1-2 demonstrated not only potent antioxidant activities but also superior hepatoprotective properties. The findings of this study could serve as a reference for the development of A. grossedentata-derived products or drugs aimed at realizing their antidiabetic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective functions.

Isolation, purification, and physicochemical characterization of Polygonatum polysaccharide and its protective effect against CCl4-induced liver injury via Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

This study aimed to provide scientific evidence that Polygonatum polysaccharide can be developed as a dietary supplement and medication for treating liver injuries. A water-soluble polysaccharide (PSP-N-c-1), with an average molecular weight of 3.45 kDa, was isolated and purified from the water extract of Polygonatum using DEAE cellulose column chromatography, CL-6B agarose gel chromatography, and Sephadex G100 chromatography. High-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analyses revealed that PSP-N-c-1 might be linear α-(1 â†’ 4)-glucans with α-Glcp residues linked to the backbone at C-6. In vitro experiments revealed that PSP-N-c-1 exhibited protective effects against CCl4-induced damage in HepG2 cells. In vivo experiments demonstrated that PSP-N-c-1 exhibited a hepatoprotective effect by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and reducing the activity of pro-inflammatory mediators. Besides, PSP-N-c-1 could attenuate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by activating the Nrf2-mediated signaling pathways and regulating the TLR4-mediated NF-κB signaling pathways. These findings demonstrated that PSP-N-c-1 may serve as a supplement for alleviating chemical liver damage.

Profiling of two Lampranthus species using LC-ESI/MS with evidence of their hepatoprotective activity.

Lampranthus glaucus and Lampranthus glaucoides are only reported to have significant cytotoxic activity against certain cancer cell lines with phytochemical investigation of their petroleum ether and the ethyl acetate extracts. Further investigation was suggested concerning their hepatoprotective activity and relating it to the metabolic profile of their defatted methanol extracts using LC-ESI/MS analysis. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated through assessment of three liver parameters as well as liver histopathological examination in thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity model. Sixty-eight and 26 phytochemicals were tentatively identified in L. glaucoides and L. glaucus, respectively, with phenolic compounds as the major class. Both plants showed significant inhibition of serum GPT and GOT levels, inhibition of tissue IL-1ß and TNF-α levels and inhibition of tissue NF-κß and caspase-3 gene expression proving hepatoprotective action. Liver treated with L. glaucoides showed lesion scoring range between negative to mild, whereas L. glaucus showed a range between mild to moderate.

Ten cyclopentanoid monoterpenes from the whole plant of Rehmannia piasezkii maxim.

Ten new cyclopentanoid monoterpenes (1-10) were isolated from the whole plant of Rehmannia piasezkii. The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic data analysis. In in-vitro assays, compounds 3, 7, and 9 exhibited weak hepatoprotective activities against APAP-induced HepG2 cell damage. Compound 9 exhibited protective effect on hapassocin carbon tetrachloride model.

Hepatoprotective effects of leaf extract of Annona senegalensis against aflatoxin B1 toxicity in rats.

Global aflatoxin contamination of agricultural commodities is of the most concern in food safety and quality. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of 80% methanolic leaf extract of Annona senegalensis against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced toxicity in rats. A. senegalensis has shown to inhibit genotoxicity of aflatoxin B1 in vitro. The rats were divided into six groups including untreated control, aflatoxin B1 only (negative control); curcumin (positive control; 10 mg/kg); and three groups receiving different doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg) of A. senegalensis extract. The rats received treatment (with the exception of untreated group) for 7 days prior to intoxication with aflatoxin B1. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine were measured. Hepatic tissues were analysed for histological alterations. Administration of A. senegalensis extract demonstrated hepatoprotective effects against aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity in vivo by significantly reducing the level of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase and regenerating the hepatocytes. No significant changes were observed in the levels of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine for the AFB1 intoxicated group, curcumin+AFB1 and Annona senegalensis leaf extract (ASLE)+AFB1 (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg body weight [b.w.]) treated groups. Annona senegalensis is a good candidate for hepatoprotective agents and thus its use in traditional medicine may at least in part be justified.Contribution: The plant extract investigated in this study can be used in animal health to protect the organism from toxicity caused by mycotoxins.

Optimization of enzyme-assisted microwave extraction, structural characterization, antioxidant activity and in vitro protective effect against H2O2-induced damage in HepG2 cells of polysaccharides from roots of Rubus crataegifolius Bunge.

In this study, an enzyme-assisted microwave extraction process was obtained by response surface method of polysaccharide from roots of Rubus crataegifolius Bunge. The optimized extraction process was as follow: enzyme dosage 2 %, enzymatic time was 3.6 h, enzymatic pH 4.9, and microwave time 4.7 min, with the extraction yield of 9.07 %. Four homogeneous polysaccharides (RCP-1, RCP-3, RCP-4 and RCP-5) were purified through column chromatography. Four polysaccharides have the relative higher molecular weights of 1.70 × 106 Da, 5.56 × 106 Da, 4.97 × 106 Da, and 9.80 × 106 Da and mainly consisted of GluN, GluA, Glu, Gal and Arab. FT-IR and NMR spectral analysis confirmed that the purified polysaccharides were polypyranose containing α- and ß-glycosidic bonds. RCP - 1 has a relative high crystallinity. Four purified polysaccharides contained triple helical conformations, and have good antioxidant activities. Among the purified polysaccharides, RCP - 1 was found to reduce the oxidative cell damage induced by H2O2 through increasing of cell viability, inhibition of AST and ALT levels, ROS production and cell apoptosis, increasing of the activities of antioxidative enzymes, as well as reduction of MDA content. Our findings would provide a foundation for purified polysaccharides efficient extraction and demonstrated that the polysaccharides from R. crataegifolius roots could be a promising hepatoprotective agent.

Preparation, Characterization, and Hepatoprotective Activity Evaluation of Quercetin-loaded Pluronic® F127/Chitosan-Myristic Acid Mixed Micelles.

BACKGROUND: Quercetin (QTN) is a flavonol antioxidant found in foods, medicinal plants, fruits, vegetables, and beverages. QTN oral consumption produces several biological effects, including antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-apoptotic, anti-cancer, neuroprotection, anti-hypertensive, and chemo preventive. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to prepare Pluronic®F127/chitosan-myristic acid copolymer (PF127/C-MAc)-based mixed micelles (QTN MM) to improve the biopharmaceutical and hepatoprotective potential of QTN. METHODS: QTN MM was developed employing thin-film hydration and optimized using full factorial design (FFD). Optimized QTN MM was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder x-ray diffractometry (PXRD), in vitro dissolution, ex vivo permeation, and in vivo antioxidant activity in carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced albino rats. RESULTS: PF127/C-MAc ratio (1:1) with CMC value ~ 5 µg/mL showed the suitability for MM. Characterization supported the formation of MM. QTN MM revealed prominent encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of about ~ 95.10% and ~ 12.28% w/w, respectively. MM spherical shape of QTN with a smaller particle size of ~ 34.08 nm and a higher zeta potential of ~ 36.24 nm indicated excellent physical stability. Dissolution and ex vivo permeation results revealed higher dissolution and permeation of QTN MM compared to QTN and PM. In vivo antioxidant activity suggested that QTN MM at (~ 20 mg/kg, p.o.) restored the enhanced marker enzyme level compared to QTN. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that developed QTN MM could be used as an alternative nanocarrier to increase the biopharmaceutical and hepatoprotective potential of QTN and other flavonoids.

Total cucurbitacins from Herpetospermum pedunculosum pericarp do better than Hu-lu-su-pian (HLSP) in its safety and hepatoprotective efficacy.

The pericarp of Herpetospermum pedunculosum (HPP) has traditionally been used for treating jaundice and hepatitis. However, the specific hepatoprotective components and their safety/efficacy profiles remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize the total cucurbitacins (TCs) extracted from HPP and evaluate their hepatoprotective potential. As a reference, Hu-lu-su-pian (HLSP), a known hepatoprotective drug containing cucurbitacins, was used for comparison of chemical composition, effects, and safety. Molecular networking based on UHPLC-MS/MS identified cucurbitacin B, isocucurbitacin B, and cucurbitacin E as the major components in TCs, comprising 70.3%, 26.1%, and 3.6% as determined by RP-HPLC, respectively. TCs treatment significantly reversed CCl4-induced metabolic changes associated with liver damage in a dose-dependent manner, impacting pathways including energy metabolism, oxidative stress and phenylalanine metabolism, and showed superior efficacy to HLSP. Safety evaluation also showed that TCs were safe, with higher LD50 and no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) values than HLSP. The median lethal dose (LD50) and NOAEL values of TCs were 36.21 and 15 mg/kg body weight (BW), respectively, while the LD50 of HLSP was 14 mg/kg BW. In summary, TCs extracted from HPP demonstrated promising potential as a natural hepatoprotective agent, warranting further investigation into synergistic effects of individual cucurbitacin components.

Enzyme-free method for preparation of sturgeon extracts with antioxidant, hepatoprotective and immune-enhancing functions.

Sturgeon has a long lifespan and slow evolutionary rate due to their powerful endogenous antioxidant system. This work aimed to assess the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of sturgeon extracts from both muscle and roe. The extraction process without enzyme hydrolysis is not only simple, but also can produce extracts with better free radicals scavenging abilities than enzymatic hydrolysates in both cellular and in vivo experiments. Moreover, in mouse models with liver injury and immunosuppression treatment, the sturgeon extracts demonstrated strong hepatoprotective and immune-enhancing functions, comparable to vitamin C and ginseng extract supplements, which were attributed to abundant antioxidant peptides of the extracts. The 15 isolated peptides exhibited diverse free radical scavenging ability. Therefore, the sturgeon extracts showed high potential to be applied in food and biomedical industries.

Chiral separation and bioactivities of six pairs of enantiomeric dilignans from Magnolia officinalis var. biloba.

Six pairs of enantiomeric dilignans, (+)/(-)-magdiligols A-F, have been isolated from an ethanolic extract of the barks of Magnolia officinalis var. biloba. Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, NMR calculation with DP4+ analysis, and the electronic circular dichroism spectra calculation. (+)/(-)-1-3 possessed a dihydrobenzopyran ring, while a propyl chain of 1 was linked via ether bond. (+)/(-)-Magdiligols D and E ((+)/(-)-4 and 5) were dilignans possessing a furan ring. (+)-Magdiligol B ((+)/(-)-2), (+)/(-)-magdiligol C ((+)/(-)-3), and racemes 2, 3, and 5 showed potential hepatoprotective effects against APAP-induced HepG2 cell damage, increased the cell viability from 65.4% to 72.7, 78.7.76.6, 73.9, 77.9 and 73.2%, via decreasing the level of the live enzymes ALH and LDH consistently. (+)/(-)-Magdiligols B-D ((+)/(-)-2-4) and (+)/(-)-magdiligol F ((+)/(-)-6) exhibited significant antioxidative activity. (+)/(-)-Magdiligols B-C ((+)/(-)-2 and 3), (-)-magdiligol D ((-)-4), and (+)-magdiligol E ((+)-5) displayed significant PTP1B inhibitory activity with IC50 values 1.41-3.42 µM. (+)/(-)-Magdiligol B ((+)/(-)-2), and its raceme (2) demonstrated α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with the IC50 values 1.47, 2.88 and 1.85 µM, respectively.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of alcesefoliside from Astragalus monspessulanus

Abstract The hepatoprotective potential of alcesefoliside (AF) from Astragalus monspessulanus was investigated. Iron sulphate/ascorbic acid (Fe2+/AA) lipid peroxidation was induced in rat liver microsomes and pre-incubated with AF and silybin (100, 10 and 1 µmol). Pronounced effects were observed in 100 µmol. In vivo experiments were carried out on rats, challenged orally with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) alone and after pre-treatment and followed by curative treatment with AF (10 mg/kg). The activity of the serum and antioxidant enzymes, together with reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and malonedialdehyde (MDA) quantity were measured. Microsomal incubation with Fe2+/AA increased MDA production. The pre-incubation with AF reduced the formation of MDA, comparable to silybin. These findings were supported by the in vivo study where CCl4-induced liver damage was discerned by significant increase in serum enzymes and in MDA production as well as by GSH depletion and reduced antioxidant enzymes activity. The AF pre-treatment and consecutive curative treatment normalizes the activity of the serum and antioxidant enzymes alike, as well as the levels of GSH and MDA. Histological examination of AF-treated livers showed a decrease in the abnormal accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes as well as reduced alterative changes in their structure in a model of CCl4-induced toxicity.

Flavonoids from Capsella bursa-pastoris and their hepatoprotective activities in vitro

ABSTRACT Two new flavonoids (1 and 2), named 4',7-dihydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl-8-prenylflavonoid and 4',7-dihydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl-6,8-diprenylflavonoid, together with seven known flavonoids (3–9) were isolated from the aerial parts of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik., Brassicaceae, for the first time. The chemical structures of the purified compounds (1–9) were identified by their spectroscopic data and references. Moreover, compounds (1–9) were evaluated for their hepatoprotective activities against D-galactosamine induced toxicity in WB-F344 cells by using a MTT colorimetric method. As a result, compounds 2, 3, 6, and 9 (10 µM) exhibited moderate hepatoprotective activities.

Screening of flavonoids rich fractions of three Indian medicinal plants used for the management of liver diseases

ABSTRACTThe decoctions of the Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub., Fabaceae, Bauhinia variegata L., Fabaceae, and Ocimum gratissimum L., Lamiaceae, are traditionally used for the treatment of various types of hepatic disorder. Phytochemical studies have shown that total flavonoids from these plants were the major constituents of the picked out part of each plant. The present study was planned to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of flavonoid rich fractions of the B. monosperma, B. variegata and O. gratissimum against paracetamol induced liver damage. Flavonoid rich fractions were isolated by solvent fractionation from each plant. Each fraction was subjected to various qualitative chemical tests to findout the metabolites. Flavonoid fractions of each plant were subjected for pharmacological screening. The rats were monitored for change in liver morphology, biochemical parameters like serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin for the groups receiving the flavonoid-rich fractions. All flavonoid rich fractions showed significant hepatoprotective activity. The histological studies supported the biochemical parameters. From the results of biochemical analysis and histopathological studies, it can be accomplished that in the ethyl acetate fraction of O. gratissimum showed highest hepatoprotective activity as compared to other fractions. The present study was the first evidence of flavonoid-rich fractions of each plant have a remarkable hepatoprotective effect. All fractions contain a potent hepatoprotective agent suggested to be a flavone, which may find clinical application in amelioration of paracetamol-induced liver damage.

Efecto del extracto hidroalcohólico de Zingiber officinale Roscoe (jengibre) en modelo de hepatotoxicidad en ratas / Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger) in the model of hepatotoxicity in rats

Introducción: el rizoma de Zingiber officinale Roscoe (jengibre) familia Zingiberaceae, presenta actividad antioxidante como atrapador de radicales libres y de protección en lipoperoxidación en modelos in vivo e in vitro, debido a sus principales compuestos bioactivos. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto del extracto hidroalcohólico obtenido de Zingiber officinalis en el modelo de hepatotoxicidad por sobredosis de acetaminofén en ratas. Métodos: se preparó un extracto hidroalcohólico del rizoma fresco de Zingiber officinalis. Se utilizaron 42 ratas Wistar, albinas, macho (180-200 g de peso) y se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en 7 grupos (n= 6); 4 grupos fueron administrados con extracto hidroalcohólico vía oral (20,08; 54,58; 148,4 y 244,69 mg/kg) en pretratamiento, durante 8 días consecutivos. En el octavo se administró acetaminofén (750 mg/kg) intraperitoneal. Otro grupo recibió N-acetil-cisteína (1 200 mg/kg) dosis única + acetaminofén, y el grupo control solo sobredosis de acetaminofén. Se obtuvieron muestras séricas para cuantificar las enzimas alanino amino transferasa, y aspartato amino transferasa. Se realizó un estudio histopatológico del hígado en cada uno de los grupos tratados. Resultados: el extracto etanólico del jengibre redujo los niveles de enzimas hepáticas de manera dosis-dependiente. La reducción observada en la dosis de 244,69 mg/kg resultó de 54,3 % (alanino amino transferasa) y 55,5 % (aspartato amino transferasa), comparable al efecto de reducción por la N-acetil-cisteína (45,5 %), el cual fue significativo (p< 0,01) comparado con el grupo de daño hepático inducido por acetaminofén. El estudio histopatológico del tejido hepático dañado mostró diferencias, en comparación con el perfil de protección en los grupos tratados. Conclusiones: los resultados muestran la actividad hepatoprotectora del extracto de jengibre, en el modelo de hepatotoxicidad por sobredosis de acetaminofén en ratas. El consumo concomitante del jengibre normalizó los niveles de enzimas y limitó el daño hepático, lo cual está asociado a la actividad de desintoxicación y a un mejor estado antioxidante.

Introduction: rhizomes of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger) have strong antioxidant activity as free-radical trapper and protection against lipid peroxidation in vivo and in vitro models, from its main bioactive compounds. Objectives: to evaluate the effect of a hydroalcoholic extract of Zingiber officinalis in the model of hepatotoxicity after acetaminophen overdose in rats. Methods: a macerated hydroalcoholic extract was prepared (70 % v:v) from the fresh rhizome of Zingiber officinale.42 male Wistar albino rats (180-200 g) of weight were randomly distributed in seven groups (n= 6). Four groups were administrated with hydroalcoholic extract doses orally (20.08, 54.58, 148.4 y 244.69 mg/kg) in a pre-treatment for eight consecutive days. In the eighth group, intraperitoneal acetaminophen (750 mg/kg) was administered. Other treatment group received N-acetyl-cysteine (1 200 mg/kg) as a single dose and acetaminophen, and the control group only received an overdose of acetaminophen. Serum samples were obtained for each group to quantify the alanine amino transferase and aspartate amino transferase enzymes. A histopathological examination of the liver was performed for all groups. Results: ethanolic ginger extracts reduced serum levels of the hepatic enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. Reduction by 244.6 mg/kg dose of alanine amino transferase (54.3 %) and aspartate amino transferase (55.5 %) was comparable to N-acetyl-cysteine (45.5 %), the effect was significantly (p< 0.01) compared with the control group with hepatic damage induced by acetaminophen. Histopathological assessment of liver tissue damage showed differences as compared with the protective profile in the groups. Conclusions: these findings outline the hepatoprotective activity of ginger extract against hepatotoxicity after acetaminophen overdose, in a dose-dependent manner. Concomitantly, intake of ginger in rats normalized the host liver enzymes related to the detoxificant activity of xenobiotic compounds, providing a better antioxidant-cytoprotector status.

Hepatoprotective efficacy of Hypnea muciformis ethanolic extract on CCl4 induced toxicity in rats

The ethanolic extract of Hypnea muciformis (red algae) was tested for hepatoprotective activity against experimentally induced liver damage by Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in male albino rats. The levels of serum enzymatic and biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase, 5' nucleotidase, bilirubin, creatinine, urea, triglycerides, lipid peroxides and albumin were determined. The CCI4 induced lesions in the liver significant increased the levels of serum marker enzymes SGPT and SGOT, bilirubin, creatinine and decreased urea. The oral treatment with ethanolic extract of H. muciformis exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity by reducing the CCL4 caused changes in the biochemical parameters such as total protein, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and urea. These parameters were restored towards the normal levels as shown by the enzymatic tests. In addition, H. muciformis significantly decreased the liver weight of CCl4 intoxicated rats. Apparently the H. muciformis extract interfered with the free radical formation, which resulted in hepatoprotective activity. Acute toxicity studies revealed that the LD50 value was more than 3 g/kg body weight. These results clearly indicated that this seaweed contained some active principles in its ethanolic extract which acted as an antidote against the hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4.