RESUMO
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Disturbed mitochondrial function and energy crisis serve as key mechanisms for the development of liver injury. Hence, targeting cellular mitochondria in liver diseases might serve as a therapeutic option. Tapinanthus globifer (A.Rich.) Tiegh. has been used in traditional medicine in the management of liver disease. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting such use. AIM OF THE STUDY: The current investigation was designed to evaluate the protective role of Tapinanthus globifer treatment on the liver mitochondrial function after the induction of hepatotoxicity by the hepatotoxic agent Fe2+in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, isolated mitochondria from rats' liver was incubated with Fe2+ (10⯵M) for 1â¯h in the absence or presence of T. globifer (50, 100 and 200⯵g/mL) metanolic extract (MVA). Mitochondrial viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), mitochondrial swelling (MPTP)., total thiol content, lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured. HPLC-DAD was used to identify potential phytochemicals in MVA. RESULTS: (MVA) was able to improve mitochondrial dysfunction induced by Fe2+, by attenuating MTT reduction, increased ΔΨm and mitochondrial swelling. Reduced total thiol and non-protein thiol contents which were associated with increased lipid peroxidation and ROS generation in Fe2+-treated mitochondria were significantly improved by MVA co-treatment. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, catechin, epigallocatechin, caffeic acid, rutin, glycoside flavonoid and quercetin in MVA that can be responsible for its beneficial effect. CONCLUSION: MVA phyto-compounds enhance mitochondrial redox signaling and possess mitochondrial function improving potential, thereby, providing scientific basis for its use in traditional medicine.