Amelioration of paracetamol hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress on mice liver with silymarin and Nigella sativa extract supplements

Ethnobotanical survey and scientific validation of liver-healing plants in northeastern Morocco

Introduction

Liver diseases represent a significant global health challenge, with primary causes including excessive alcohol consumption, infections, chemotherapy, and autoimmune disorders. Medicinal plants, due to their natural bioactive compounds, hold promise for developing effective treatments and preventive measures against liver ailments. This study aimed to document the use of herbal remedies in northeastern Morocco for liver diseases and correlate these uses with scientific evidence through a bibliometric analysis.

Methods

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in remote communities of northeastern Morocco from October 2020 to January 2022. A total of 189 informants were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires to gather information on local medicinal plants used for liver ailments. The data were analyzed using four ethnobotanical quantitative indices: use value (UV), familial use value (FUV), informant consensus factor (ICF), and fidelity level (FL). Additionally, a bibliometric analysis was performed to evaluate the scientific support for the ethnopharmacological uses documented.

Results

The survey identified 45 plant species from 26 different families used in the treatment of liver diseases. The most frequently utilized species were Cuminum cyminum L. (UV = 0.1065), Allium sativum L. (UV = 0.1015), Salvia officinalis L. (UV = 0.0761), Asparagus officinalis L. (UV = 0.0558), and Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. (UV = 0.0457). The Apiaceae family showed the highest familial use value (FUV = 0.1066), followed by Alliaceae (FUV = 0.1015). Liver congestion had the highest informant consensus factor (ICF = 0.83), followed by hepatic colic (ICF = 0.80). Bibliometric analysis revealed that 61% of the plants identified had documented pharmacological effects related to liver health.

Discussion

The study demonstrates that traditional knowledge in northeastern Morocco encompasses a rich diversity of medicinal plants used to treat liver diseases. The high ICF values indicate a strong consensus among informants on the efficacy of these remedies. The correlation between ethnopharmacological use and scientific validation for a significant portion of these plants suggests their potential as reliable therapeutic agents for liver conditions. However, further scientific investigations are necessary to confirm their efficacy and safety in clinical settings. This research contributes valuable information for future studies on the therapeutic potential of these plants.

Conclusion

This ethnobotanical survey provides a comprehensive database of medicinal plants used in northeastern Morocco for liver diseases. The findings highlight the potential of these plants in developing novel treatments for hepatic conditions, although further research is essential to substantiate their therapeutic claims.

Cardioprotective and Hepatoprotective Potential of Silymarin in Paracetamol-Induced Oxidative Stress

Silymarin, derived from Silybum marianum, has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments. In this study, the cardioprotective and hepatoprotective effects of silymarin against paracetamol-induced oxidative stress were examined in 28 male Swiss Webster mice, divided into four groups and treated for 7 days (via the oral route) with (a) saline 1 mL/kg (control group), (b) saline 1 mL/kg + single dose of paracetamol 110 mg/kg on the 7th day; (c) silymarin 50 mg/kg; and (d) silymarin 50 mg/kg + single dose of paracetamol 110 mg/kg on the 7th day. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity together with liver enzyme activity were evaluated. Histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment was performed. Silymarin mitigated paracetamol-induced liver injury by reducing oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxidation and restoring antioxidant enzyme activity. Silymarin treatment resulted in a significant decrease in liver enzyme levels. Reduced necrosis and inflammatory infiltrate in liver tissues of silymarin-treated groups were detected as well. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated reduced expression of inflammatory markers (COX2, iNOS) and oxidative stress marker (SOD2) in the liver tissues of the silymarin-treated groups. Similar trends were observed in cardiac tissue. These results suggest that silymarin exerts potent hepatoprotective and cardioprotective effects against paracetamol-induced oxidative stress, making it a promising therapeutic agent for liver and heart diseases associated with oxidative damage.

Caesalpinia bonducella Counteracts Paracetamol-Instigated Hepatic Toxicity via Modulating TNF-α and IL-6/10 Expression and Bcl-2 and Caspase-8/3 Signalling

Paracetamol is the most predominantly used antipyretic and analgesic drug. As paracetamol is metabolised mostly in the liver, both deliberate and unintentional overdoses of paracetamol are reported to provoke severe hepatotoxicity, including liver failure. Caesalpinia bonducella seed is well known for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. However, there is no report on its potential protective effects against paracetamol-instigated hepatotoxicity. Therefore, we studied the protective effects of aqueous seed extract of Caesalpinia bonducella (ASECB) on paracetamol-instigated hepatotoxicity in rats. Thirty female albino rats were divided into five groups: control, paracetamol-intoxicated, ASECB + paracetamol, silymarin + paracetamol, and ASECB alone. The rats were assessed for liver enzyme markers (alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase), antioxidant activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), histopathological, cytokine levels (pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10), and protein expression (pro-apoptotic markers caspase 3 and caspase 8 and anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2) after the 8-day study period. Repercussions of paracetamol intoxication induced upregulation of liver enzyme markers, antioxidant depletion, malondialdehyde production, decreased expression of Bcl-2 and IL-10, and overexpression of apoptotic and pro-inflammatory mediators, which were attenuated by pre-treatment with ASECB. ASECB markedly mitigated paracetamol-instigated liver injury by suppressing caspase-8/3 signalling and inflammatory infiltration in liver tissue by significantly reducing TNF-α and IL-6. In conclusion, ASECB pre-treatment exerts potent liver protection against paracetamol-instigated hepatotoxicity evidenced by mitigation of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and apoptosis.

The Role of Vitamin E in Protecting against Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and the Neurotoxic Effects of Acute Paracetamol in Pregnant Female Rats

Paracetamol (acetaminophen, APAP) is the most common non-prescription analgesic drug used during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin E on acute APAP toxicity in pregnant rats. Toxicity in the liver, kidney, and brain (hippocampus, cerebellum, and olfactory bulb) was examined. Twenty pregnant female Wistar rats at gestational day 18 were used. Pregnant rats were divided into four groups: Control, APAP, E + APAP, and APAP + E. The Control group was treated with 0.5 mL p.o. corn oil. The APAP group received 3000 mg/kg p.o. APAP. The E + APAP group received 300 mg/kg p.o. vitamin E one hour before 3000 mg/kg APAP. The APAP + E group received 3000 mg/kg paracetamol one hour before 300 mg/kg p.o. vitamin E. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment administration, rats were euthanized and blood, brain, liver, and kidney samples were collected. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine levels, uric acid (UA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, as well as the relative mRNA expression of Cyp1a4, Cyp2d6, and Nat2, were determined. Acute APAP treatment upregulated ALT, AST, BUN, and creatinine levels. APAP treatment downregulated UA and SOD levels. APAP treatment upregulated the relative mRNA expression of Cyp1a4 and Cyp2d6, but downregulated Nat2 expression. Vitamin E treatment, either before or after APAP administration, attenuated the toxic effects of APAP. In conclusion, the results showed that an acute toxic APAP dose in late pregnancy can cause oxidative stress and dysregulation in Cyp isoform expression, and that vitamin E treatment attenuates these effects.

Nigella sativa seeds mitigate the hepatic histo-architectural and ultrastructural changes induced by 4-nonylphenol in Clarias gariepinus

Due to its prevalence in aquatic environments and potential cytotoxicity, 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) has garnered considerable attention. As a medicinal plant with numerous biological activities, Nigella sativa (black seed or black cumin) seed (NSS) is widely utilized throughout the world. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the potential protective effects of NSS against 4-NP-induced hepatotoxicity in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). To achieve this objective, 18 fish (351 ± 3 g) were randomly divided into three equal groups for 21 days. The first group serves as a control which did not receive any treatment except the basal diet. The second and third groups were exposed to 4-NP at a dose of 0.1 mg L^-1 of aquarium water and fed a basal diet only or supplemented with 2.5% NSS, respectively. The histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural features of the liver were subsequently evaluated as a damage biomarker of the hepatic tissue. Our results confirmed that 4-NP was a potent hepatotoxic agent, as 4-NP-intoxicated fish exhibited many lesions. Steatohepatitis, ballooning degeneration, sclerosing cholangitis, and coagulative necrosis of melanomacrophagecenters (MMCs) were observed. Hemosiderin, lipofuscin pigments, and proliferation of fibroblasts, kupffer cells, and telocytes were also demonstrated in the livers of 4-NP-intoxicated fish. In addition, decreased glycogen content and increased collagen deposition were observed in the hepatic tissue. Hepatocytes exhibited ultrastructural alterations in the chromatin, rough endoplasmic reticulum, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, lysosomes, and peroxisomes. Co-administration of 2.5% NSS to 4-NP-intoxicated fish significantly reduced these hepatotoxic effects. It nearly preserved the histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural integrity of hepatic tissue.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Oplopanax elatus Nakai Adventitious Roots Extract by Regulating CYP450 and PPAR Signaling Pathway

O. elatus Nakai is a traditional medicine that has been confirmed to exert effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions, and is used for the treatment of different disorders. However, its potential beneficial effects on drug induced hepatotoxicity and relevant molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the protective effect and further elucidated the mechanisms of action of O. elatus on liver protection. O. elatus chlorogenic acids-enriched fraction (OEB), which included chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid A, were identified by HPLC-MS/MS. OEB was administrated orally daily for seven consecutive days, followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of an overdose of APAP after the final OEB administration. The effects of OEB on immune cells in mice liver were analyzed using flow cytometry. APAP metabolite content in serum was detected using HPLC-MS/MS in order to investigate whether OEB affects CYP450 activities. The intestinal content samples were processed for 16 s microbiota sequencing. Results demonstrated that OEB decreased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase contents, affected the metabolism of APAP, and decreased the concentrates of APAP, APAP-CYS and APAP-NAC by inhibiting CYP2E1 and CYP3A11 activity. Furthermore, OEB pretreatment regulated lipid metabolism by affecting the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) signaling pathway in mice and also increased the abundance of Akkermansia and Parabacteroides. This study indicated that OEB is a potential drug candidate for treating hepatotoxicity because of its ability to affect drug metabolism and regulate lipid metabolism.

Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Dapagliflozin/Zn (II), Cr (III) and Se (IV) Novel Complexes That Ameliorate Hepatic Damage, Hyperglycemia and Oxidative Injury Induced by Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats and Their Antibacterial Activity

Diabetes mellitus (DM) causes an imbalance in the oxidative status of the human body. Three novel Dapagliflozin (Dapg) Zn (II), Cr (III) and Se (IV) complexes were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibility, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction. The molar conductance values confirmed the non-electrolytic nature of the Dapg complexes. According to spectral data, Dapg acts as a bidentate ligand. The thermal analyses of the complexes were studied using the DSC technique. The surface morphology and particle sizes of the Dapg complexes were investigated using SEM and XRD. XRD confirmed the crystalline structure for the complexity. This study investigated the effect of novel metal complexes of Dapg with the metals Zn (II), Cr (III) and Se (IV) on oxidative injury and tissue damage in the hepatic tissue of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats. DM was experimentally induced in male rats. The diabetic rats received Dapg, Dapg/Zn, Dapg/Cr and Dapg/Se orally for 30 successive days. Male rats exposed to STZ showed multi-histopathological alterations in their hepatic tissue, including inflammatory and structural changes. STZ elevated oxidative stress markers in the hepatic tissue and lowered the antioxidant defense enzymes. Supplementation of Dapg with Zn, Cr or Se novel complexes significantly prevented hepatic injury and suppressed the generation of reactive oxygen species. The Dapg/Zn complex was highly effective against Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus penumonia, while Dapg/Cr was highly effective against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Dapg/Se was highly effective against Staphylococcus aureas. In conclusion, Dapg novel metal complexes with Zn, Cr or Se protect against oxidative injury and the pathophysiological and bacterial complications of DM and hepatic tissue injury. The Dapg novel metal complexes improved hepatic functions, reduced blood glucose levels and enhanced the levels of antioxidant defense enzymes in diabetic male rats.

Selenium/Chitosan-Folic Acid Metal Complex Ameliorates Hepatic Damage and Oxidative Injury in Male Rats Exposed to Sodium Fluoride

Continuous exposure to sodium fluoride (NaF) imbalances the oxidative status in the body. The current study investigated the effect of the selenium/chitosan-folic (Se/chitosan-folic acid) novel metal complex on oxidative injury and tissue damage in the hepatic tissues of male rats exposed to (NaF). Male rats received NaF (10.3 mg/kg) and Se/chitosan-folic acid (0.5 mg/Kg) orally for successive 30 days. Male rats exposed to NaF showed multi-histopathological alterations in the hepatic tissues including degenerative changes. NaF exposure elevated hepatic oxidative stress markers, lipid peroxidation, and lowered the antioxidant defense enzymes. Se/chitosan-folic acid novel complex supplementation significantly prevented hepatic injury, suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lipid peroxidation, and enhanced the antioxidant defense enzymes. In addition, Se/chitosan-folic acid supplementation improved the hepatic tissues of NaF-exposed male rats. In conclusion, the Se/chitosan-folic acid novel metal complex protects against NaF-induced oxidative injury and tissue injury in the hepatic tissues of male rats. The Se/chitosan-folic acid novel metal complex upregulated the hepatic tissues and enhanced the antioxidant defense enzymes in male rats.

Spectroscopic Study for Effect of Heating Temperatures on the Black Seed Oil

The existing investigation explains the effect of temperature on black seed oil, what are the changes that occur to the oil when it is heated to a temperature higher than (100 C°), and what is the effect of that change on human health when using this oil.it was heated to several temperatures ranging from (30 C°) to (150 C°). The absorbance of the samples was measured before and after heating using the UFI device. The intensity was also measured by irradiating each sample using a red laser. It has been found that when the oil is heated to a temperature higher than 100 C°, a change occurs in the composition of the oil with a change in its physical properties such as color, smell, taste … etc. and the formation of another compound, and the new compound may be toxic.

Protective Effects of A. sativa against Oxidative Stress-Induced Liver Damage in Ovariectomized Mice

Postmenopausal women express great failure in their ovarian hormone production, especially estrogen. This deficiency may promote hypercholesterolemia and accelerate the redox imbalance. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Avena sativa against estrogen deficiency-induced liver and uterus oxidative injury in experimental ovariectomized mice. Female mice were randomly divided into five groups: group one (negative control) received normal diet and distilled water (C), group two (positive control) received daily enriched diet with oat grains and was kept on tap distilled water at a dose of 200 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹ (A), group three (ovariectomized mice) was nontreated fed with normal diet (O), group four includes ovariectomized mice treated daily with estradiol given by intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 100 μg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹ (OE), and the fifth group also includes ovariectomized mice which received enriched diet with oat grain parts with the same dose given to group two. The treatment period lasted two consecutive months. Both oat and hormonal treatments of ovariectomized groups resulted in a significant reduction in triglycerides and total cholesterol and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in the plasma after 21 and 60 days of treatment. Besides, the coadministration of A. sativa has decreased the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and increased transaminase activities after 21 and 60 days of treatment. On the other hand, this cereal has restored the enzymatic (SOD, CAT, and GPx) and nonenzymatic antioxidant activities (GSH) as well as the elevated thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (AOPP and PCO) to near-normal values. The beneficial effects of this cereal were confirmed by a histological study of the liver and uterus of all previous cited groups. Our finding emphasized the antioxidant and antilipidemic effect of oat grain part, suggesting the use of this cereal in the prevention of liver and uterus diseases that occurred in postmenopausal women.

A role of connexin 43 on the drug-induced liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract toxicity with associated signaling pathways

Drug-induced organ toxicity/injury, especially in the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract, is a systematic disorder that causes oxidative stress formation and inflammation resulting in cell death and organ failure. Current therapies target reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and inhibit inflammatory factors in organ injury to restore the functions and temporary relief. Organ cell function and tissue homeostasis are maintained through gap junction intercellular communication, regulating connexin hemichannels. Mis-regulation of such connexin, especially connexin (Cx) 43, affects a comprehensive process, including cell differentiation, inflammation, and cell death. Aim to describe knowledge about the importance of connexin role and insights therapeutic targeting. Cx43 misregulation has been implicated in recent decades in various diseases. Moreover, in recent years there is increasing evidence that Cx43 is involved in the toxicity process, including hepatic, renal, and gastrointestinal disorders. Cx43 has the potential to initiate the immune system to cause cell death, which has been activated in the acceleration of apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy signaling pathway. So far, therapies targeting Cx43 have been under inspection and are subjected to clinical trial phases. This review elucidates the role of Cx43 in drug-induced vital organ injury, and recent reports compromise its function in the major signaling pathways.

Phyllanthin prevents diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced liver carcinogenesis in rats and induces apoptotic cell death in HepG2 cells

Liver cancer is a critical clinical condition with augmented malignancy, rapid progression, and poor prognosis. Liver cancer often initiates as fibrosis, develops as cirrhosis, and results in cancer. For centuries, medicinal plants have been incorporated in various liver-associated complications, and recently, research has recognized that many bioactive compounds from medicinal plants may interact with targets related to liver disorders. Phyllanthin from the Phyllanthus species is one such compound extensively used by folklore practitioners for various health benefits. However, most practices continue to be unrecognized scientifically. Hence, in this work, we investigated the protective role of phyllanthin on diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced liver carcinoma in Wistar Albino rats and the anti-tumor potential on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 cells. The DEN-challenged liver cancer in experimental rats caused increased liver weight, 8-OHD, hepatic tissue injury marker, lipid peroxidation, and tumor markers levels. Remarkably, phyllanthin counteracted the DEN effect by ameliorating all the liver function enzymes, oxidative DNA damage, and tumor-specific markers by enhanced anti-oxidant capacity and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis through the mTOR/ PI3K signaling pathway. MTT assay demonstrated that phyllanthin inhibited the HepG2 cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Fascinatingly, phyllanthin did not demonstrate any substantial effect on the normal cell line, HL7702. In addition, HepG2 cells were found in the late apoptotic stage upon treatment with phyllanthin as depicted by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Overall, this work offers scientific justification that phyllanthin can be claimed to be a safe candidate with potential chemotherapeutic activity against HCC.

Dibenzazepine combats acute liver injury in rats via amendments of Notch signaling and activation of autophagy

Paracetamol is a commonly used over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic drug. Nevertheless, an overdose of paracetamol leads to hepatic necrosis that can be lethal. This study aimed to assess the potential hepatoprotective effects of dibenzazepine, a Notch inhibitor, against acute liver injury in rats via interfering with oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and Notch signaling. Silymarin (200 mg/kg, p.o.) or dibenzazepine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered to rats for 5 days before a single hepatotoxic dose of paracetamol (800 mg/kg, i.p.). Pretreatment with silymarin and dibenzazepine significantly mitigated oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic markers induced by paracetamol hepatotoxicity where dibenzazepine showed greater repression of inflammation. Furthermore, dibenzazepine was found to be significantly more efficacious than silymarin in inhibiting Notch signaling as represented by expression of Notch-1 and Hes-1. A significantly greater response was also demonstrated with dibenzazepine pretreatment with regard to the expression of autophagic proteins, Beclin-1 and LC-3. The aforementioned biochemical results were confirmed by histopathological examination. Autophagy and Notch signaling seem to play a significant role in protection provided by dibenzazepine for paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, which could explain its superior results relative to silymarin. Graphical abstract.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities of Terminalia bellirica and its bioactive component ellagic acid against diclofenac induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity

Long term usage and overdose of diclofenac (DCF), an anti-inflammatory drug is known to cause oxidative stress and liver injury. The present study reports the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities of Terminalia bellirica (Tb) fruit aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts and its bioactive compound ellagic acid (EA) against DCF-induced toxicity. in vitro antioxidant activities were measured by ABTS and FRAP assays while anti‐inflammatory activity was assessed by the albumin denaturation method. The adverse effects of DCF and hepatoprotective potential of Tb extracts and EA were assessed in serum and liver tissue of rats after oral administration for 21 days. Silymarin was used as standard hepatoprptective agent for comparison. Hepatic markers analyzed in serum included ALP, GPT, GOT, LDH, γ-glutamyl transferase, total protein, creatinine, and uric acid while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were analyzed in liver tissue. The EA exhibited superior ABTS radical scavenging, FRAP, and anti-inflammatory activities as compared to fruit extracts. DCF treatment led to rise in the levels of most of the serum hepatic markers with decline in total serum protein as well as SOD and CAT in liver tissue. The supplementation of extracts, EA and silymarin in DCF treated rats significantly reduced the adverse effects of DCF on serum and tissue markers. Histopathology of the liver indicated that extracts and EA significantly decreased the degree of liver fibrosis. The hepatoprotective ability of EA was comparable to the silymarin but activity of Tb fruit extracts was little lower. Among fruit extracts ethyl acetate extract exhibited better activity than aqueous extract. The results revealed that ellagic acid and T. bellirica fruit extracts have potential to mitigate oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity produced by long term use of diclofenac.

An Evaluation of the In Vitro Roles and Mechanisms of Silibinin in Reducing Pyrazinamide- and Isoniazid-Induced Hepatocellular Damage

Tuberculosis remains a significant infectious lung disease that affects millions of patients worldwide. Despite numerous existing drug regimens for tuberculosis, drug-induced liver injury is a major challenge that limits the effectiveness of these therapeutics. Two drugs that form the backbone of the commonly administered quadruple antitubercular regimen, that is, pyrazinamide (PZA) and isoniazid (INH), are associated with such hepatotoxicity. Yet, we lack safe and effective alternatives to the antitubercular regimen. Consequently, current research largely focuses on exploiting the hepatoprotective effect of nutraceutical compounds as complementary therapy. Silibinin, a herbal product widely believed to protect against various liver diseases, potentially provides a useful solution given its hepatoprotective mechanisms. In our study, we identified silibinin’s role in mitigating PZA- and INH-induced hepatotoxicity and elucidated a deeper mechanistic understanding of silibinin’s hepatoprotective ability. Silibinin preserved the viability of human foetal hepatocyte line LO2 when co-administered with 80 mM INH and decreased apoptosis induced by a combination of 40 mM INH and 10 mM PZA by reducing oxidative damage to mitochondria, proteins, and lipids. Taken together, this proof-of-concept forms the rational basis for the further investigation of silibinin’s hepatoprotective effect in subsequent preclinical studies and clinical trials.

Protective effect of the ethanolic and methanolic leaf extracts of Madhuca longifolia against diclofenac-induced toxicity in female Wistar albino rats

BACKGROUND

Diclofenac is commonly prescribed Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAIDs) as it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic properties. Long term usage and over-dosage of diclofenac is associated with adverse effects like drug-induced liver injury, gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. The therapeutic uses of medicinal plants have gained a prominent role in recent years. Madhuca longifolia is a tree found throughout India, which is known to have several pharmacological activities. The aim of our study is to investigate the potential effect of the ethanolic and methanolic leaf extracts of M. longifolia against diclofenac-induced toxicity.

METHODS

The rats used for the experiment were divided into seven groups. Group-1 was the normal control. Group-2 was administered with diclofenac (50 mg/kg b.w./day/ip) on the 4th and the 5th day. Group-3 was treated with diclofenac and ELEML (500 mg/kg b.w./day/po) on all 5 days. Group-4 was treated with diclofenac and MLEML (500 mg/kg b.w./day/po) on all 5 days. Standard drug silymarin (25 mg/kg b.w./day/po) was given to the rats of group-5 along with diclofenac. Group-6 and group-7 were treated with ethanolic leaf extract and methanolic leaf extract of M. longifolia respectively. After the study period, the rats were evaluated for parameters like liver and renal markers, antioxidants and histopathological changes.

RESULTS

This study has proved the beneficial effect of ethanolic and methanolic leaf extract of M. longifolia against diclofenac-induced toxicity wherein ethanolic leaf extract showed a better result than methanolic leaf extract.

CONCLUSION

Our study has concluded the beneficial effect of ethanolic and methonolic leaf extract of Madhuca longifolia against DFC-induced toxicity. This study proves that it has potential effect on hepato, renal and gastro toxicity in female Wistar albino rats. It can further be studied to understand its mechanism in treating toxicity.

Structural Characterization, Antimicrobial Activity, and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Effect of Black Seed Oil

This study was aimed to investigate the structure of bioactive components of black seed oil (BSO) and their antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects. Initially, the structural examination was conducted using various spectroscopic techniques, such as FTIR, TLC, and UV-visible spectroscopy, which are important in determining substituents, functional groups, and the presence of conjugated double bonds in BSO. From the FTIR spectra, a variety of sharp, strong, and weak peaks were specified relating to the main components of thymoquinone (TQ), dithymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and thymol in BSO. The results of UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the presence of thymoquinone as a major compound, and conjugated double bonds were also found. In addition, qualitative TLC analysis was used to identify thymoquinone from the methanol-extracted layer in BSO, by calculating the retention factor (R f) value. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity of BSO was studied against various types of bacteria. Strong bacterial inhibitory effects were observed, especially against Bacillus subtilis, with an average inhibition zone of 15.74 mm. Moreover, through the use of the MTT assay in vitro, it was shown that BSO does not exhibit any cytotoxicity towards human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). It was also found from the structural characterization of BSO that the existence of TQ is responsible for potential antibacterial activity without any cytotoxic effects. The main observation of this work is that BSO has antimicrobial activity even against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Methionine and vitamin B-complex ameliorate antitubercular drugs-induced toxicity in exposed patients

Tuberculosis therapy utilizes drugs that while effective cause treatment‐related toxicity. Modulation of antitubercular drugs‐induced toxicity by methionine and vitamin B‐complex in patients was evaluated. 285 treatment‐naïve tuberculosis patients at the Chest Clinics of Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yaba and General Hospital, Lagos in Lagos, Nigeria was prospectively recruited and allotted into test (antitubercular medicines, methionine and vitamin B‐complex) and control groups (antitubercular medicines). Data on adverse drug reactions and blood samples were collected at initiation, 2 months and 6 months, and then analyzed. Red blood cells and packed cell volume were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the test group compared to control at 6 months of therapy. At the end of 2 months, results showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, creatinine and total bilirubin in the test group compared to control. Reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase were significantly increased (P < 0.001) and malondialdehyde significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in the test versus control groups at the end of 2 and 6 months. Adverse drug reactions were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the test group (32.4%) compared to control group (56.2%), with 1 death. Hepatotoxicity was significantly higher (P = 0.026) in control (6.9%), compared to test group (0%). Alcohol and cigarette smoking were significantly (P = 0.019 and P = 0.027) associated with the occurrence of adverse drug reactions. Methionine and vitamin B‐complex modulated hepatic, renal, hematological, antioxidant indices and adverse effects in patients administered antitubercular medicines. Such interventions can enhance compliance and better treatment outcomes in tuberculosis patients.

Aqueous leaves extract of Madhuca longifolia attenuate diclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity: Impact on oxidative stress, inflammation, and cytokines

Diclofenac is a Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drug which is used as an analgesic. It is known to cause heptotoxicity on over dose and long term usage. Madhuca longifolia is an evergreen tree found widely in India that is known to have several ethnomedical uses. The aim of our study is to evaluate the beneficial effect of the aqueous leaf extract of M. longifolia against diclofenac-induced toxicity. Rats were dived into five groups of six rats each. Group-I was normal control. Group-II was administered with diclofenac (50 mg/kg. b.w./day, i.p) on 4th and 5th day. Group-III rats were treated with aqueous leaf extract of M. longifolia (500 mg/kg b.w./day, oral) for 5 consecutive days and diclofenac (50 mg/kg. b.w./day, i.p) was given on 4th and 5th day. Silymarin (25 mg/kg. b.w./day, oral) was used as standard drug which was given to the rats of group-IV along with diclofenac on 4th and 5th day. Aqueous leaf extract of M. longifolia (500 mg/kg b.w./day, oral) alone was administered in group-V. After the study period, the rats were evaluated for liver enzyme markers, antioxidant parameters, histopathological changes, and cytokines levels. The hepatic proinflammatory mediator cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were evaluated through ELISA. The protein expression of Caspase-3, COX-2, and NF-κB were analysed through Western blotting techniques. Aqueous leaves extract of M. longifolia was able to normalize the changes caused by diclofenac. Current study indicatesthe protective effect of the aqueous leaves extract of M. longifolia against diclofenac-induced toxicity.