Inhibition of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by Piper longum Linn.?

Effect of herbal extracts and Saroglitazar on high-fat diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hepatic lipidome in C57BL/6J mice

We evaluated the effects of select herbal extracts (Tinospora cordifolia [TC], Tinospora cordifolia with Piper longum [TC + PL], Withania somnifera [WS], Glycyrrhiza glabra [GG], AYUSH-64 [AY-64], and Saroglitazar [S]) on various parameters in a diet-induced obesity mouse model. After 12 weeks of oral administration of the herbal extracts in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6J mice, we analyzed plasma biochemical parameters, insulin resistance (IR), liver histology, and the expression of inflammatory and fibrosis markers, along with hepatic lipidome. We also used a 3D hepatic spheroid model to assess their impact on profibrotic gene expression. Among the extracts, TC + PL showed a significant reduction in IR, liver weight, TNF-α, IL4, IL10 expression, and hepatic lipid levels (saturated triglycerides, ceramides, lysophosphocholines, acylcarnitines, diglycerides, and phosphatidylinositol levels). Saroglitazar reversed changes in body weight, IR, plasma triglycerides, glucose, insulin, and various hepatic lipid species (fatty acids, phospholipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and triglycerides). With the exception of GG, Saroglitazar, and other extracts protected against palmitic acid-induced fibrosis marker gene expression in the 3D spheroids. TC + PL and Saroglitazar also effectively prevented HFD-induced insulin resistance, inflammation, and specific harmful lipid species in the liver.

Case study of clinical improvement of atopic dermatitis in a patient treated with herbal-based parapharmaceuticals

OBJECTIVES

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that has the immunoallergological characteristics of atopy and is characterised by itchy dermatitis with a recurrent-relapsing course and skin hyperreactivity. Official therapy involves topical anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs for the skin but, as it is a recurrent and relapsing disease, the use of systemic anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs is eventually necessary to control the disease and prevent clinical exacerbation. However, systemic treatment may have a major impact on the patient, induce adverse reactions and not resolve the disease. The aim of the study is to establish whether the use of plant extracts may play a role in improving the quality of life of AD patients.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe the clinical case of a 27-year old Caucasian woman with dry, lichenified, slightly reddened and scaly skin lesions (EASI score 1.6), with anamnesis of atopy and multiple allergies, who was treated with an alternative therapeutic strategy to her previous ones, with three herbal-based parapharmaceuticals (Ribes nigrum L. buds, Piper longum L. fruits, Perilla frutescens L. Britton leaves and seeds in LUXFITOAL; Arctium lappa L. radix, Helychrisum italicum (Roth.) G. Don. flos, Viola tricolor L. herba cum floribus in LUXDERM; Trigonella foenum grecum seed extract, Hypericum perforatum extract in LUXTRIGONELLA cream). Two weeks after taking the drops and applying the cream the dry, lichenified skin lesions were no longer present and an eudermic state of the skin is restored (EASI score 0). Furthermore, six months after the beginning of the therapy, the good condition of the skin was maintained. The patient has never had such a long lapse of time without dermatitis reappearing on the anatomical sites observed at the first follow-up. After nine months, the patient was treated again for a dermatitis that had developed at another anatomical site, spreading frontally at the border between the lower margin of the neck and the upper margin of the thorax and at the chin (EASI value 3.2), achieving a marked improvement and a return of the eudermic state after two days (EASI value 0).

CONCLUSIONS

The patient was satisfied with the "clean hands" with no inflammation, with the resolution of the dermatitis in the other body sites and stated that the therapy has improved her perceived quality of life. These botanicals may be effective and play a role in improving the quality of life of a person with AD.

Amelioration of cyclophosphamide-induced DNA damage, oxidative stress, and hepato- and neurotoxicity by Piper longum extract in rats: The role of γH2AX and 8-OHdG

Background: The identification of genoprotectants is a promising strategy for improving human health. Piper longum has drawn scientific attention because of its diverse biological effects and traditional utilization. The current investigation aims to evaluate the genome-stabilizing potential of Piper longum against cyclophosphamide-associated genotoxicity.

Methods: We adopted a funnel screening with a three-tier evaluation approach, where Piper longum was investigated in an acellular medium, peripheral blood lymphocytes, and a rodent model. The genoprotective action of the Piper longum extract was initially performed with plasmid pBluescript SK(-) DNA. Furthermore, the extract and various fractions were screened against cyclophosphamide-induced genotoxicity using a cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay and a chromosomal aberration assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. The genome-stabilizing action of the extract and potent (hexane) fraction was further confirmed in vivo in Wistar albino rats by evaluating them using mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus tests, DNA fragmentation, oxidative stress markers, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), γH2AX, and histopathological lesions in the liver and hippocampus. Additionally, acute and sub-acute toxicity studies were conducted following the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines for rats. Furthermore, the extract was quantified and characterized by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (UPLC-MS), and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results: The Piper longum ethanol extract was shown to protect plasmid pBluescript SK(-) DNA against H2O2-induced strand breaks. In human lymphocytes, the extract and hexane fraction showed a reduction in micronucleus formation (p < 0.001) and chromosomal aberrations (p < 0.01) against cyclophosphamide. Furthermore, the extract and fraction treatment, when administered at 200 mg/kg for 28 days in Wistar rats, restored cyclophosphamide-induced genomic instability by reducing micronucleus formation and DNA fragmentation; restoring redox homeostasis; decreasing 8-OHdG, a hallmark of oxidative DNA damage; reducing γH2AX, a DNA double-strand break (DSB) marker; and preserving the liver and hippocampus against histopathological lesions. The extract and fraction revealed no signs of systemic toxicity at the used doses. Piperine and piperlongumine are the major alkaloids quantified along with the presence of flavonoids in the ethanol extract and the presence of fatty acids and terpenoids in the hexane fraction of Piper longum.

Conclusion: Our investigation confirms the genoprotective action of Piper longum by reducing cyclophosphamide-associated cytogenotoxicity, oxidative stress, hepato- and neurotoxicity, oxidative DNA damage, and DNA double-strand breaks. The outcomes are critical for mitigating the genotoxic effects of chemotherapy recipients, requiring further attention.

Piper longum L.: A comprehensive review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and health-promoting activities

Piper longum (family Piperaceae), commonly known as "long-pepper" or "Pippali" grows as a perennial shrub or as an herbaceous vine. It is native to the Indo-Malaya region and widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical world including the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, Middle-East, and America. The fruits are mostly used as culinary spice and preservatives and are also a potent remedy in various traditional medicinal systems against bronchitis, cough, cold, snakebite, and scorpion-sting and are also used as a contraceptive. Various bioactive-phytochemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, esters, and steroids were identified from the plant extracts and essential oils from the roots and fruits were reported as antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anthelminthic, mosquito-larvicidal, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anticancer, neuro-pharmacological, antihyperglycaemic, hepato-protective, antihyperlipidaemic, antiangiogenic, immunomodulatory, antiarthritic, antiulcer, antiasthmatic, cardioprotective, and anti-snake-venom agents. Many of its pharmacological properties were attributed to its antioxidative and antiinflammatory effects and its ability to modulate a number of signalling pathways and enzymes. This review comprehensively encompasses information on habit, distribution, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of P. longum in relation to its medicinal importance and health benefits to validate the traditional claims supported by specific scientific experiments. In addition, it also discusses the safety and toxicity studies, application of green synthesis and nanotechnology as well as clinical trials performed with the plant also elucidating research gaps and future perspectives of its multifaceted uses.

Health Benefits and Risks of Consuming Spices on the Example of Black Pepper and Cinnamon

The aim of this study is to present the benefits and risks associated with the consumption of black pepper and cinnamon, which are very popular spices in Poland. The article presents the current state of knowledge about health properties and possible dangers, such as liver damage, associated with their consumption. The experimental part presents the results of the research on the antioxidant properties against the DPPH radical, which was 80.85 ± 3.84–85.42 ± 2.34% for black pepper, and 55.52 ± 7.56–91.87 ± 2.93% for cinnamon. The total content of polyphenols in black pepper was 10.67 ± 1.30–32.13 ± 0.24 mg GAE/g, and in cinnamon 52.34 ± 0.96–94.71 ± 3.34 mg GAE/g. In addition, the content of piperine and pepper oil in black pepper was determined, as well as the content of coumarin in cinnamon. The content of piperine in the black pepper samples was in the range of 3.92 ± 0.35–9.23 ± 0.05%. The tested black pepper samples contained 0.89 ± 0.08–2.19 ± 0.15 mL/100 g d.m. of essential oil. The coumarin content in the cinnamon samples remained in the range of 1027.67 ± 50.36–4012.00 ± 79.57 mg/kg. Taking into account the content of coumarin in the tested cinnamon samples, it should be assumed that the majority of cinnamon available in Polish retail is Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl.

Evaluation of Punarnavadi Mandura for haematinic activity against mercuric chloride-induced anemia in albino rats

Background

Punarnavadi Mandura, a compound Ayurvedic formulation, is one of the most commonly used medicine in the treatment of anemia (Pandu) in Ayurveda. The safety profile of this formulation is well established; however, no pharmacological study has been reported to provide the scientific basis for its use in the treatment of anemia.

Aim

To evaluate the hematinic effect of Punarnavadi Mandura against mercuric chloride-induced anemia in albino rats.

Materials and methods

The test drug (Punarnavadi Mandura) was suspended in distilled water and administered orally in a dose of 450 mg/kg for 30 days in rats. Anemia was induced by simultaneous administration of mercuric chloride (9 mg/kg) for 30 consecutive days. Body weight was noted for each animals. At the end, haematological parameters, anaemia markers like serum iron, ferritin, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC), as well as relative weight of organs and histopathology investigation, were examined.

Results

Exposure of mercuric chloride to rats for 30 days resulted in a significant decrease of body weight, an increase in the weight of the liver and kidney and a decrease in hemoglobin content. It also decreased serum ferritin to a significant extent and increased serum TIBC. Histopathology of the liver shows macro fatty changes, vacuolization, marked necrosis, and severe degenerative changes, while the kidney shows cell infiltration. All these changes were significantly attenuated by the administration of Punarnavadi Mandura.

Conclusion

The present data indicate that Punarnavadi Mandura has possessing marked cytoprotective activity, significantly attenuated the HgCl2-induced adverse changes on red blood cell related parameters, and showing hematinic activity in albino rats.

Preventive aspect of ayurveda and yoga towards newly emerging disease COVID-19

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV 2) and unique in various facets. The earlier experience from the past severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemics seem to be insufficient and there is need for better strategies in public health and medical care. Ayurved & Yog are well known for their preventive and therapeutic aspect, but not getting utilized properly for prevention of Covid 19 crisis which may also be helpful as supportive therapy along with current line of management. This paper is aimed at unrevealing the role of Ayurved and Yoga guidelines established by Department of AYUSH for prevention from SARS-CoV-2 by providing help to improving the quality of supportive/prophylactic therapy in relation with their immunity.

A systematic review on Piper longum L.: Bridging traditional knowledge and pharmacological evidence for future translational research

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Piper longum, commonly referred as 'Pippali', has found its traditional use in India, Malaysia, Singapore and other South Asian countries as an analgesic, carminative, anti-diarrhoeic, immunostimulant, post childbirth to check postpartum hemorrhage and to treat asthma, insomnia, dementia, epilepsy, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, spleen disorder, puerperal fever, leprosy etc. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review offers essential data focusing on the traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacological profile of Piper longum thereby identifying research gaps and future opportunities for investigation on this plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic survey was accomplished as per the PRISMA guidelines. The information was collected from books, and electronic search (PubMed, Science Direct, Lilca and Scielo) during 1967-2019.

RESULTS

Many phytochemicals have been identified till date, including alkaloids as its major secondary metabolites (piperine and piperlongumine), essential oil, flavonoids and steroids. These exhibit a wide range of activities including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-parkinsonian, anti-stress, nootropic, anti-epileptic, anti-hyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-platelet, anti-angiogenic, immunomodulatory, anti-arthritic, anti-ulcer, anti-asthmatic, anthelmintic action, anti-amebic, anti-fungal, mosquito larvicidal and anti-snake venom.

CONCLUSION

Amongst various activities, bioscientific clarification in relation to its ethnopharmacological perspective has been evidenced mainly for anti-amebic, anthelminthic, anti-tumor and anti-diabetic activity. However, despite traditional claims, insufficient scientific validation for the treatment of insomnia, dementia, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, spleen disorder, puerperal fever and leprosy, necessitate future investigations in this direction. It is also essential and critical to generate toxicological data and pharmacokinetics on human subjects so as to confirm its conceivable bio-active components in the body.

Amelioration of Single Clove Black Garlic Aqueous Extract on Dyslipidemia and Hepatitis in Chronic Carbon Tetrachloride Intoxicated Swiss Albino Mice

Single clove garlic is the product of atypical bulbing process of garlic under specific conditions. Therefore, the number of researches on single clove garlic bioactivity is limited. Recently, the hepatoprotective effect of single clove garlic has been demonstrated. In this study, we investigated amelioration of single clove black garlic aqueous extract, a processed product from single clove garlic, on dyslipidemia and hepatitis induced by chronic administration of CCl₄. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, extract control, CCl₄ intoxication, and coadministrated CCl₄ and extract group. Mice were orally given a dose of 1 ml/kg body weight of CCl₄ for 28 days twice a week to establish chronic liver injury model. To evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of single clove black garlic, mice were cotreated with CCl₄ and single clove black garlic extract (200 mg/kg body weight) via gastric gauge for 30 days. Cotreatment with CCl₄ and extract could improve the changes of body weight, liver weight, and relative liver weight as compared to CCl₄ intoxicated mice. Single clove black garlic ameliorated dyslipidemia and the elevation of ALT and AST levels induced by chronic CCl₄ intoxication. Histological studies revealed that single clove black garlic could prevent mononuclear cells infiltration and hepatocyte necrosis.

Deferoxamine alleviates liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in rats

Several chronic liver diseases can lead to the occurrence of hepatic fibrosis through the accumulation of iron, which causes induction of oxidative stress and consequently activation of fibrogenesis. The present study was designed to investigate the potential antifibrotic and anti-oxidant effects of deferoxamine (DFO), a well-known iron chelator in an experimental rat model of liver injury using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ). First, the potential effective dose of DFO was screened against CCl4 -induced acute hepatotoxicity. Then, rats were co-treated with DFO (300 mg/kg, i.p.) for 6 weeks starting from the third week of CCl4 induction of chronic hepatotoxicity. Liver function was assessed in addition to histopathological examination. Furthermore, oxidative stress and fibrosis markers were assessed. It was found that treatment of animals with DFO significantly counteracted the changes in liver function; histopathological lesions and hepatic iron deposition that were induced by CCl4 . DFO also significantly counteracted the CCl4 -induced lipid peroxidation increase and reduction in antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes. In addition, DFO ameliorated significantly liver fibrosis markers including hydroxyproline, collagen accumulation, and the expression of the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation marker; alpha smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Together, these findings indicate that DFO possesses a potent antifibrotic effect due to its antioxidant properties that counteracted oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation and restored antioxidant enzymes activities as well as reducing HSCs activation and fibrogenesis.

New Potential Pharmacological Functions of Chinese Herbal Medicines via Regulation of Autophagy

Autophagy is a universal catabolic cellular process for quality control of cytoplasm and maintenance of cellular homeostasis upon nutrient deprivation and environmental stimulus. It involves the lysosomal degradation of cellular components such as misfolded proteins or damaged organelles. Defects in autophagy are implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases including cancers, myopathy, neurodegenerations, infections and cardiovascular diseases. In the recent decade, traditional drugs with new clinical applications are not only commonly found in Western medicines, but also highlighted in Chinese herbal medicines (CHM). For instance, pharmacological studies have revealed that active components or fractions from Chaihu (Radix bupleuri), Hu Zhang (Rhizoma polygoni cuspidati), Donglingcao (Rabdosia rubesens), Hou po (Cortex magnoliae officinalis) and Chuan xiong (Rhizoma chuanxiong) modulate cancers, neurodegeneration and cardiovascular disease via autophagy. These findings shed light on the potential new applications and formulation of CHM decoctions via regulation of autophagy. This article reviews the roles of autophagy in the pharmacological actions of CHM and discusses their new potential clinical applications in various human diseases.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective activity of Eriocaulon quinquangulare in vitro using porcine liver slices against ethanol induced liver toxicity and free radical scavenging capacity

BACKGROUND

Production of reactive oxygen species is a common cause in alcohol induced liver diseases. Decoction prepared from the whole plant of Eriocaulon quinquingulare is prescribed to treat liver disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective activity and antioxidant capacity of the water extract of E. quinquangulare in vitro.

METHOD

The aqueous extract of the whole plant of E. quinquangulare (AEQ) was investigated for its phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and membrane stabilization properties in-vitro. The antioxidant activities of AEQ were investigated using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Membrane stabilizing effect of the extract was determined by hypotonic solution induced human erythrocyte hemolytic assay (HEHA). Further, hepatoprotective activity against ethanol induced hepatotoxicity was carried out using porcine liver slices.

RESULTS

The total phenolics and flavonoids were 10.3 ± 1.6 w/w % gallic acid equivalents and 45.6 ± 3.8 w/w % (-)-epigallocatechin gallate equivalents respectively. The values of EC50 for DPPH, hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide scavenging assays were 37.2 ± 1.7 μg/ml, 170.5 ± 6.6 μg/ml and 31.8 ± 2.2 μg/ml respectively. The reducing capability of AEQ was 6.9 ± 0.2 w/w % L-ascorbic acid equivalents in the FRAP assay. For hypotonic solution induced HEHA, the IC50 was 1.79 ± 0.04 mg/ml. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) was observed in ALT, AST and LDH release from the liver slices treated with AEQ compared to the ethanol treated liver slices. A significant reduction in lipid peroxidation (p < 0.05) was also observed in liver slices treated with the plant extract compared to that of the ethanol treated liver slices.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest AEQ possess hepatoprotective activity against ethanol induced liver toxicity of porcine liver slices which can be attributed to antioxidant properties and membrane stabilizing effects caused by the plant material.

Antiproliferative activity and phenotypic modification induced by selected Peruvian medicinal plants on human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The high incidence of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Peru and the wide use of medicinal plants in this country led us to study the activity against HCC cells in vitro of somes species used locally against liver and digestive disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnopharmacological survey: Medicinal plant species with a strong convergence of use for liver and digestive diseases were collected fresh in the wild or on markets, in two places of Peru: Chiclayo (Lambayeque department, Chiclayo province) and Huaraz (Ancash department, Huaraz province). Altogether 51 species were collected and 61 ethanol extracts were prepared to be tested. Biological assessment: All extracts were first assessed against the HCC cell line Hep3B according a 3-step multi-parametric phenotypic assay. It included 1) the evaluation of phenotypic changes on cells by light microscopy, 2) the measurement of the antiproliferative activity and 3) the analysis of the cytoskeleton and mitosis by immunofluorescence. Best extracts were further assessed against other HCC cell lines HepG2, PLC/PRF/5 and SNU-182 and their toxicity measured in vitro on primary human hepatocytes.

RESULTS

Ethnopharmacological survey: Some of the species collected had a high reputation spreading over the surveyed locations for treating liver problems, i.e. Baccharis genistelloides, Bejaria aestuans, Centaurium pulchellum, Desmodium molliculum, Dipsacus fullonum, Equisetum bogotense, Gentianella spp., Krameria lapacea, Otholobium spp., Schkuhria pinnata, Taraxacum officinale. Hep3B evaluation: Fourteen extracts from 13 species (Achyrocline alata, Ambrosia arborescens, Baccharis latifolia, Hypericum laricifolium, Krameria lappacea, Niphidium crassifolium, Ophryosporus chilca, Orthrosanthus chimboracensis, Otholobium pubescens, Passiflora ligularis, Perezia coerulescens, Perezia multiflora and Schkuhria pinnata) showed a significant antiproliferative activity against Hep3B cells (IC50≤ 50µg/mL). This was associated with a lack of toxicity on primary human hepatocytes in vitro. Immunofluorescence experiments on Hep3B cells showed that crude extracts of Schkuhria pinnata and Orthrosanthus chimboracensis could block Hep3B cells in mitosis with an original phenotype. Crude extracts of Perezia coerulescens, Perezia multiflora, Achyrocline alata, Ophryosporus chilca, Otholobium pubescens and Hypericum laricifolium could modify the overall microtubule cytoskeletal dynamics of Hep3B cells in interphase by an original mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS

Our method allowed us to select 9 extracts which displayed antiproliferative activities associated with original cellular phenotypes on Hep3B cells, regarding known microtubule-targeting drugs. Both chemical and cellular studies are ongoing in order to elucidate natural compounds and cellular mechanisms responsible of the activities described.

Total phenolic, flavonoid contents, in-vitro antioxidant activities and hepatoprotective effect of aqueous leaf extract of Atalantia ceylanica

Background

Decoction prepared from leaves of Atalantia ceylanica is used in traditional medicine in Sri Lanka for the treatment of various liver ailments since ancient times. Lyophilized powder of the water extract of A. ceylanica leaves was investigated for its phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity in-vitro.

Methods

The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using Folin Ciocalteu method and aluminium chloride colorimetric assay respectively. The antioxidant activities of the decoction were investigated using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide scavenging assays and ferric ion reducing power assay. Hepatotoxicity was induced on porcine liver slices with ethanol to study hepatoprotective activity. Porcine liver slices were incubated at 37°C with different concentrations of the water extract of A. ceylanica in the presence of ethanol for 2 hours. The hepatoprotective effects were quantified by the leakage of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to the medium. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay was performed to examine the anti-lipid peroxidation activity caused by the plant extract.

Results

The mean ± SD (n =9) for the levels of total phenolics and flavonoids were 4.87 ± 0.89 w/w% of gallic acid equivalents and 16.48 ± 0.63 w/w% of (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate equivalents respectively. The decoction demonstrated high antioxidant activity. The mean ± SD values of EC₅₀ were 131.2 ± 36.1, 48.4 ± 12.1, 263.5 ± 28.3 and 87.70 ± 6.06 μg/ml for DPPH, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide scavenging assays and ferric ion reducing power assay respectively.

A significant decrease (p <0.05) was observed in ALT, AST and LDH release from porcine liver slices treated with A. ceylanica extract at a concentration of 2 mg/ml in the presence of ethanol (5 M) compared to that of ethanol (5 M) treated slices. Furthermore, a reduction in lipid peroxidation was also observed in liver slices treated with the leaf extract of A. ceylanica (2 mg/ml) compared to that of ethanol induced liver toxicity (p <0.05).

Conclusions

The results suggest that aqueous extract of A. ceylanica exerts hepatoprotective activity against ethanol induced liver toxicity of porcine liver slices which can be attributed to the antioxidant properties possessed by the plant material.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-395) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Habb-e-Asgand, polyherbal Unani formulation, protects liver and antioxidative enzymes against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity

Abstract Context: Habb-e-Asgand, a polyherbal Homeopathy/Unani drug from Hamdard Wakf Laboratory, India, used in arthritis, gout and joint pain, is a mixture of many herbal medicinal plants. Scientific attempts to test and validate its efficacy are meager. Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidative potential of Habb-e-Asgand against paracetamol toxicity. Materials and methods: Swiss albino male mice (n = 5/group) were treated with Habb-e-Asgand (250 mg/kg, body weight (b.w.) in normal saline orally for 14 days followed by a single dose of paracetamol (400 mg/kg b.w./normal saline) intraperitoneally 24 h before euthanization. We estimated liver function (LFTs) using diagnostic kits, while antioxidant enzymes, cytochrome P450 (CYP) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were measured using spectrophotometric methods. Results: Paracetamol alone induced LFTs enzymes significantly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, 0.001), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT, ∼70%), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT, ∼20%), alkaline phosphatase (ALP, ∼20%), total bilirubin (∼30%), CYP activity (∼50%) and LPO (∼45%), while it significantly inhibited the activity of antioxidant enzymes glutathione reductase (GR, ∼35%), glutathione peroxidase (GPx, ∼40%), glutathione S-tranferase (GST, ∼16%), catalase (CAT, ∼84%) and glutathione (GSH, ∼30%) contents. Habb-e-Asgand alone and in combination of paracetamol significantly (p < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001) decreased LFT levels (20-25%), CYP activity (∼45%) and LPO level (∼25%), while it induced antioxidant enzyme activity (GR, ∼15%; GPx, ∼17%; GST, ∼20% and CAT, ∼60%). Discussion: Paracetamol metabolites may be mediating production of reactive oxidant species (ROS) and liver injury, which are attenuated by Habb-e-Asgand antioxidant constituents. Conclusion: Habb-e-Asgand may be used as a prophylaxis for ROS related liver injury.

Piperlongumine inhibits proliferation and survival of Burkitt lymphoma in vitro

Piperlongumine (PL), a pepper plant alkaloid from Piper longum, kills solid tumor cells in a highly selective, potent fashion. To evaluate whether PL may have similar effects on malignant blood cells, we determined the efficacy with which PL inhibits the B-lymphocyte derived neoplasm, Burkitt lymphoma (BL). Low micromolar concentrations of PL (IC(50) = 2.8 μM × 8.5 μM) curbed growth and survival of two EBV(+) BL cell lines (Daudi, Raji) and two EBV BL cell lines (Ramos, DG-75), but left normal peripheral blood B-lymphocytes unharmed. PL-dependent cytotoxicity was effected in part by reduced NF-κB and MYC activity, with the former being caused by inhibition of IκBα degradation, nuclear translocation of p65, and binding of NF-κB dimers to cognate DNA sequences in gene promoters. In 4 of 4 BL cell lines, the NF-κB/MYC-regulated cellular target genes, E2F1 and MYB, were down regulated, while the stress sensor gene, GADD45B, was up regulated. The EBV-encoded oncogene, LMP-1, was suppressed in Daudi and Raji cells. Considering that NF-κB, MYC and LMP-1 play a crucial role in the biology of many blood cancers including BL, our results provide a strong preclinical rationale for considering PL in new intervention approaches for patients with hematologic malignancies.

Overview for various aspects of the health benefits of Piper longum linn. fruit

Herbal remedies have become popular, due in part to the lower risk of adverse reactions. Thousands of plants have been used traditionally to treat various diseases. Among them, species of the genus Piper are important medicinal plants used in various systems of medicine. The Piper longum fruit has been used in traditional medicine, including the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Although there are numerous indications for its use, controlled trials are needed to determine its efficacy. The primary constituents isolated from various parts of P. longum are piperine, piperlongumine, sylvatin, sesamin, diaeudesmin piperlonguminine, pipermonaline, and piperundecalidine. It is most commonly used to treat chronic bronchitis, asthma, constipation, gonorrhea, paralysis of the tongue, diarrhea, cholera, chronic malaria, viral hepatitis, respiratory infections, stomachache, bronchitis, diseases of the spleen, cough, and tumors. This study provides detailed information about the P. longum fruit, including phytochemistry, pharmacological profile and safety profile. In view of the commercial, economic, and medicinal importance of the P. longum plant, it is useful for researchers to study the plant in detail.

Hepatoprotective activity of polyherbal formulation (Normeta) in oxidative stress induced by alcohol, polyunsaturated fatty acids and iron in rats

In recent years, oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of a large number of diseases or disorders which are initiated and/or exacerbated by pro-oxidants such as various drugs including alcohol and food additives. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of oral treatment with polyherbal formulation Normeta (2 ml and 4 ml/kg) on hepatic damage induced by alcohol 10-30% (blood alcohol was maintained at levels between 150 and 350 mg/dl), thermally oxidized oil (polyunsaturated fatty acids) (15% of diet) and carbonyl iron (1.5-2% of diet) for 30 days in rats. In vitro studies with 1, 1-Diphenyl, 2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Nitric oxide and Ferric chloride (Fe(+3) ions) showed that Normeta possesses antioxidant and metal chelating activity. Alcohol, polyunsaturated fatty acids and iron feeding produced an increase in serum levels of iron, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase and decrease in serum proteins. It was also associated with elevated lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and disruption of antioxidant defence mechanism in liver, decreased body weight and increased liver to body weight ratio. Oral administration of Normeta along with alcohol, polyunsaturated fatty acids and iron decreased the serum iron, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase levels and increased serum protein levels. The levels of liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were decreased and the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase were increased. Improvement in body weight and liver to body weight ratio was also observed. The effects of Normeta on physico-metabolic parameters were comparable with silymarin. This indicates that Normeta has favourable effect in bringing down the severity of hepatotoxicity.

Effects of Fructus Piperis Longi extract on fibrotic liver of gamma-irradiated rats

BACKGROUND

A major biomarker for liver fibrosis is transglutaminase which catalyzes cross-linking of epsilon-amines and alpha-glutamyl residues among amino acids leading to fibrosis. Fructus Piperis Longi is a common herb used in Chinese medicine. The present study evaluates the role of the ethanol extract of Fructus Piperis Longi in the modulation of liver function in liver fibrosis.

METHODS

Plf extract (50 mg/kg) was force-fed to rats every other day 7 days before administration of thioacetamide and/or gamma irradiation. Thioacetamid 200 mg/kg was intraperitoneally administered to rats twice per week for four weeks. Rats were gamma irradiated (2 Gy/week up to a total dose of 8 Gy). Administration of Plf ext was extended during thioacetamid and/or irradiation treatment. Animals were sacrificed. Biochemical parameters in homogenised liver were tested.

RESULTS

A significant increase in transglutaminase activity and collagen content was recorded in the liver of thioacetamid-treated and/or irradiated rats. Significant increases in lipid peroxides, lipid hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes associated to significant decreases of reduced glutathione content, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were also recorded. Administration of Plf ext treatment reduced the severity of liver fibrosis and oxidative damage which was substantiated by amelioration of liver function detected by a decrease in serum aspartate aminotransaminase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase activities and bilirubin (total, direct and indirect) content.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of the ethanolic extract of Fructus Piperis Longi ameliorated the increase of the activity of tTG enzyme and enhanced antioxidant activities in fibrotic liver.