Hautriwaic acid as one of the hepatoprotective constituent of Dodonaea viscosa

Medicinal herbs and their metabolites with biological potential to protect and combat liver toxicity and its disorders: A review

The liver is an essential organ that helps the body with immunity, metabolism, and detoxification, among other functions. Worldwide, liver illnesses are a leading cause of mortality and disability. There are few effective treatment choices, but they frequently have unfavorable side effects. Investigating the potential of medicinal plants and their bioactive phytoconstituents in the prevention and treatment of liver disorders has gained more attention in recent years. An assessment of the hepatoprotective potential of medicinal plants and their bioactive secondary metabolites is the goal of this thorough review paper. To determine their hepatoprotective activity, these plants were tested against liver toxicity artificially induced in rats, mice and rabbits by chemical agents such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), paracetamol (PCM), thioacetamide (TAA), N-nitrosodiethylamine, d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide, antitubercular medicines (rifampin, isoniazid) and alcohol. To find pertinent research publications published between 1989 and 2022, a comprehensive search of electronic bibliographic databases (including Web of Science, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and others) was carried out. The investigation comprised 203 plant species from 81 families in total. A thorough discussion was mentioned regarding the hepatoprotective qualities of plants belonging to several families, such as Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. The plant groups Asteraceae and Fabaceae were the most frequently shown to have hepatoprotective properties. The phytochemical constituents namely flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids exhibited the highest frequency of hepatoprotective action. Also, some possible mechanism of action of some active constituents from medicinal plants was discussed in brief which were found in some studies. In summary, the information on medicinal plants and their potentially hepatoprotective bioactive phytoconstituents has been consolidated in this review which emphasizes the importance of further research to explore the efficacy and safety of these natural remedies for various liver ailments.

Protective role of Dodonaea viscosa extract against streptozotocin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats

Previous investigations have shown that D. viscosa herbal extract is often used to treat a variety of diseases. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate any additional potential impacts on rat liver and kidney damage induced by diabetes. Streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg/day) was given as a single dosage to cause type 1 diabetes. After then, diabetic rats received oral doses of D. viscosa for four weeks at 150 and 300 mg/kg/day. Blood, liver, and kidney tissues were collected at the end of the treatment and examined. Analysis was made of the serum lipid profile, liver, and kidney functions, as well as blood biochemistry. Moreover, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2), and nitric oxide (NO) were estimated in serum. In liver and kidney samples, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) and reduced glutathione (GSH), as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reeducates (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analyzed. Histological changes in liver and kidney cross-sections were also observed. Our findings demonstrated that D. viscosa dramatically decreased pro-inflammatory indicators in blood, kidney, and liver tissues as well as blood glucose, and restored insulin levels, and lipid profiles. Additionally, it significantly raises the antioxidant enzyme activity SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST, while significantly lowering TBARs levels. The above-mentioned biochemical changes that took place in tissues were further supported by histological alterations. These findings imply that D. viscosa protects against STZ-induced hyperglycemia, aberrant lipid synthesis, and oxidative stress and that these benefits may be mediated by interacting with various targets to increase the levels of antioxidant enzymes in the liver and kidneys. Its mode of action and safety for use as medicine against various metabolic problems caused by diabetes require more research.

Hepatoprotective Potential of Pomegranate in Curbing the Incidence of Acute Liver Injury by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response

Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver and is considered one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Due to its scavenging activity, Punica granatum may be used for the treatment and prevention of liver diseases. The current study investigated the protective mechanism underlying the effects of pomegranate against a rat model of carbon tetrachloride–induced liver injury. Intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ resulted in liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and accumulation of lipid in hepatocytes. CCl₄ induced a downregulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and melonaldehyde (MDA). Pomegranate protection was assessed in terms of biochemical parameters, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Promegranate administration decreased inflammation, elevated serum enzymes and ROS production, and countered the debilitating effects caused by CCl₄. In addition, CCl₄-induced histological changes were absent in the crude pomegranate extract group, which also enhanced the scavenging activity of reactive oxygen species by enhancing the antioxidant defense mechanism as confirmed by detecting MDA, SOD, and GSH expressions. The migration of CD68⁺ macrophages was halted at the injured area of the central vein and the number of macrophages was reduced to the normal control by the crude extract compared to the positive control silymarin group. Likewise, protective effects of ethylacetate and the aqueous fraction of the crude extract were also observed. However, the butanol and n-hexane fractions displayed increased levels of ALT, AST, and ALP as compared to silymarin. About 25% damage to hepatocytes was observed in the butanol and n-hexane group by histopathological examination, which is a little better compared to the CCl₄-treated group. The crude extract and its ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions may be accountable for the hepatoprotective potential of Punica granatum, which was further confirmed by in vivo experiments. Together, these findings confirm that pomegranate exerts hepatoprotective activity against CCl₄-induced oxidative stress and liver damage.

Determination of in vivo biological activities of Dodonaea viscosa flowers against CCL4 toxicity in albino mice with bioactive compound detection

Dodonaea viscosa L.Jacq. is an evergreen shrub and native to Asia, Africa, and Australia. It has been used as traditional medicine in different countries. The foremost objective of the current study was to discover the protective potential of D. viscosa flowers Methanol (DVM) and Chloroform (DVC) extracts against CCL₄ induced toxicity in mice. This study was intended to identify phytochemicals through HPLC, GCMS, and FT-IR, as well as in vitro antioxidant and in vitro anti-tuberculosis activity. Our comprehensive findings indicate that Dodonaea viscosa is valuable and widespread herbal medicine through therapeutic potentials for curing various ailments. Dodonaeaviscosa flowersare found to have a protective effect against oxidative stress produced by CCL₄ in the liver, kidney, and spleen. The intake of DV extracts restored the level of hepatic enzymes (ALP, AST ALT, and Direct bilirubin), hematological parameters (RBCs, WBCs, and Platelets), total protein, and liver antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT) after a decline in levels by CCL₄. Histopathological results discovered the defensive effect of 300 mg/kg of DVM extract against CCL₄ induced damage, thus having an improved protective effect compared to DVC and control. As a result of metabolite screening, the total flavonoids and total phenolics were present in abundance. A phytochemical investigation by HPLC identified gallic acid, epicatechin, cumeric acid, flavonoids, while GCMS estimated oleic acid (Octadecenoic acid) (C₁₈H₃₄O₂), Stearic acid (C₁₈H₃₆O₂), Ricinoleic acid (C₁₈H₃₄O₃), and Cedrol (C₁₅H₂₆O). DVM extract exhibited resistance against in vitro Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. So this study proposed that the protective effect of DV against oxidative damage induced in the liver, kidney, and spleen can be correlated to the antioxidant compounds.

Role of Nutraceuticals in COVID-19 Mediated Liver Dysfunction

COVID-19 is known as one of the deadliest pandemics of the century. The rapid spread of this deadly virus at incredible speed has stunned the planet and poses a challenge to global scientific and medical communities. Patients with COVID-19 are at an increased risk of co-morbidities associated with liver dysfunction and injury. Moreover, hepatotoxicity induced by antiviral therapy is gaining importance and is an area of great concern. Currently, alternatives therapies are being sought to mitigate hepatic damage, and there has been growing interest in the research on bioactive phytochemical agents (nutraceuticals) due to their versatility in health benefits reported in various epidemiological studies. Therefore, this review provides information and summarizes the juncture of antiviral, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective nutraceuticals that can be useful during the management of COVID-19.

An update on the health benefits promoted by edible flowers and involved mechanisms

The aim of this review is to provide new findings on health effects of edible flowers since 2015. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-osteoporosis, anti-obesity, and anti-hypertensive have been reviewed, and the effective concentrations of flower extracts have been summarized. Among all the health benefits mentioned, anti-osteoporosis, anti-obesity, and anti-hypertensive have rarely been mentioned before 2015. Some health benefits mechanisms of edible flowers were discussed frequently after 2015. Some newly found phytochemicals such as polysaccharides were shown to be beneficial to human health. Species of Rosa, Chrysanthemum, and Osmanthus have been reported to exert different health effects on human. For the toxicity studies, the safe level of flower extracts in cell and animal models were at hundreds of parts per million (ppm) level. In consideration of health promoting effects and toxicities of edible flowers, they could serve as potential natural health products for different health benefits.

A new antimicrobial compound from the leaves of Dodonaea viscosa for infectious diseases

The main aim of this research work was to isolate and characterize the antimicrobial compounds that can be extracted from the leaves of Dodonaea viscosa (D. viscosa) and to assess their antimicrobial potency by established in-vitro agar diffusion method. The methanol extract was liquefied and fractioned by using a separatory funnel and organic solvents having different polarities. The agar diffusion technique was used to assess the antimicrobial potency of extracts and pure compounds against 5 g (+and -) microbial strains. Antimicrobial potency results showed that all extracts and isolated pure compounds provided significant antimicrobial potency against the applied microbial strains. The highest activity chloroform extract was analysed by column chromatography (CC) for the isolation of antimicrobial compounds. The structure of the isolated compounds was characterized based on 1D, 2D NMR and MS spectra. In conclusion, purest compounds might be useful as a remedy for infectious diseases.

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Dodonaea viscosa is used traditionally in Oman to treat rheumatism, gout, and aches.

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The antimicrobial activity of extracts and compounds was evaluated by diffusion method.

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The highest active extract was used to isolate antimicrobial compounds.

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The compounds were isolated for the first time from the selected Omani species.

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The extract and compound could be used as antibities for infectous diseases.

Hepatoprotective potential of Malvaviscus arboreus against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

Malvaviscus arboreus Cav. is a medicinal plant belonging to family Malvaceae with both ethnomedical and culinary value; however, its phytochemical and biological profiles have been scarcely studied. Accordingly, this work was designed to explore the chemical composition and the hepatoprotective potential of M. arboreus against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity. The total extract of the aerial parts and its derived fractions (petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous) were orally administered to rats for six consecutive days, followed by injection of CCl4 (1:1 v/v, in olive oil, 1.5 ml/kg, i.p.) on the next day. Results showed that the ethyl acetate and dichloromethane fractions significantly alleviated liver injury in rats as indicated by the reduced levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), and malondialdehyde (MDA), along with enhancement of the total antioxidant capacities of their livers, with the maximum effects were recorded by the ethyl acetate fraction. Moreover, the protective actions of both fractions were comparable to those of silymarin (100 mg/kg), and have been also substantiated by histopathological evaluations. On the other hand, liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC‒HR‒ESI‒MS) metabolomic profiling of the crude extract of M. arboreus aerial parts showed the presence of a variety of phytochemicals, mostly phenolics, whereas the detailed chemical analysis of the most active fraction (i.e. ethyl acetate) resulted in the isolation and identification of six compounds for the first time in the genus, comprising four phenolic acids; β-resorcylic, caffeic, protocatechuic, and 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acids, in addition to two flavonoids; trifolin and astragalin. Such phenolic principles, together with their probable synergistic antioxidant and liver-protecting properties, seem to contribute to the observed hepatoprotective potential of M. arboreus.

Hepatoprotective activity of viscosine is mediated by attenuation of hepatic macrophages and iNOS expression in CCl4-intoxicated rats

This study investigated the molecular mechanism(s) of the protective effects of a C-alkylated flavonoid, viscosine on an animal model of CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity. Viscosine at 20, 50 and 100 mg kg^-1 was orally administered in a dose dependent manner per day for 3 days before the CCl₄ (1 : 1 v/v in olive oil, 1 ml kg^-1) treatment and 2 days after the treatment. Hepatoprotection was assessed in terms of reduction in serum enzyme activities (ALT, AST, and ALP) that occur after CCl₄ injury, and by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The rise in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in CCl₄-intoxicated rats was markedly suppressed by viscosine in a concentration dependent manner. The decrease in the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzyme, SOD, was significantly prevented by viscosine, likewise gradually the levels of MDA and GSH were also normalized compared to silymarin. Viscosine also reduced the CCl₄-induced damaged area from 2% to 0% as assessed by histopathology and prevented the mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Viscosine attenuated the inflammation in the liver around the injured central vein region by downregulating the CCl₄ induced activation of hepatic CD68+ macrophages, thereby reducing their number as well. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was more potentially suppressed by viscosine compared to the FDA approved positive control silymarin. The results of this study indicate that viscosine could be effective in protecting the liver from acute CCl₄-induced injury. The hepatoprotective mechanisms of viscosine may be related to the free radical scavenging and attenuation of oxidative stress, as well as to the inhibition of inflammatory response in the liver. Here, we are proposing a novel mechanism of action of viscosine and suggesting that it may be a safe and better in vivo antioxidant.

Hepatoprotective activity of total iridoid glycosides isolated from Paederia scandens (lour.) Merr. var. tomentosa

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Currently, human liver is susceptible to injury caused by alcohol and virus infiltration, resulting in hepatitis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Paederia scandens (Lour.) Merr. var. tomentosa (Rubiaceae) has been used as traditional medicine in Asian countries to treat jaundice, dysentery, and abdominal mass. Furthermore, the abundance of iridoid glycosides in Paederia species indicates their notable hepatoprotective potential.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total iridoid glycosides (TG) was prepared, and constituents of TG were analyzed by HPLC. TG and silymarin (positive) were orally administered for 15 days. Then, acute liver injury rats was induced by intraperitoneally injection (i.p.) of 10% CCl4 (0.12%, v/v, dissolved in olive oil, 10 mL/kg, body weight). Rats were sacrificed at 16 h after CCl4 injection. Liver tissues and blood were collected. Serum samples were prepared to determine the activities of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), whereas liver tissue sections were prepared for the purpose of examining possible liver histopathological changes. In addition, antioxidant enzyme activities in liver tissues were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that TG significantly decreased the levels of AST and ALT, compared with those in control rats. In addition, pre-treatment of the rats with TG clearly alleviated their liver tissue injuries. What's more, the activities of GSH, GAT and SOD in the groups of TG-treated rats were significantly increased compared with those of rats in the control group, whereas the levels of MDA were decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Our present research indicated that TG possessed notable hepatoprotective activity via decreasing oxidative stress level in liver tissues.

Hepatoprotective effects of Micromeria croatica ethanolic extract against CCl4-induced liver injury in mice

Background

Micromeria croatica (Pers.) Schott is an aromatic plant from Lamiaceae family previously found to possess potent in vitro antioxidant activity which is mainly attributed to the high level of polyphenolic substances. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective activity and possible underlying mechanisms of Micromeria croatica ethanolic extract (MC) using a model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury in mice.

Methods

Male BALB/cN mice were randomly divided into seven groups: control group received saline, MC group received ethanolic extract of M. croatica in 5 % DMSO (100 mg/kg b.w., p.o.), and CCl₄ group was administered CCl₄ dissolved in corn oil (2 mL/kg, 10 % v/v, ip). MC50, MC200 and MC400 groups were treated with MC orally at doses of 50, 200 and 400 mg/kg once daily for 2 consecutive days, respectively, 6 h after CCl₄ intoxication. The reference group received silymarin at dose of 400 mg/kg. At the end of experiment, blood and liver samples were collected for biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses. In addition, major phenolic compounds in MC were quantified by HPLC-DAD.

Results

CCl₄ intoxication resulted in liver cells damage and oxidative stress and triggered inflammatory response in mice livers. MC treatment decreased ALT activity and prevented liver necrosis. Improved hepatic antioxidant status was evident by increased Cu/Zn SOD activity and decreased 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) formation in the livers. Concomitantly, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were overexpressed. The hepatoprotective activity of MC was accompanied by the increase in nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activation and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression, indicating amelioration of hepatic inflammation. Additionally, MC prevented tumor growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, suggesting the potential for suppression of hepatic fibrogenesis.

Conclusion

These results of the present study demonstrated that MC possesses in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and exhibits antifibrotic potential, which are comparable to those of standard hepatoprotective compound silymarin.

Quantitative ethnobotanical survey of medicinal flora thriving in Malakand Pass Hills, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Ethnobotanical knowledge is proving to be invaluable for drug discovery in the wake of effective prospecting from biodiversity. On the other hand, the escalating human pressure is threatening the endogenous flora. Situated at the foothill of the Himalayas, Pakistan boasts of rich floristic distribution. However, many lush yet imperiled regions of this country has never been explored. It inspired us to evaluate and document the taxonomic composition, significance of medicinal plants and associated traditional knowledge in the District of Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Vegetation growing in Malakand pass hills, Pakistan was studied and data were collected using an open-ended questionnaire, in addition to interviewing the local elderly, knowledgeable persons, and herbal practitioners. Relative Frequency Citation (RFC) and Use Value (UV) of the medicinal plants were calculated and their correlation was determined by Pearson correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

This study encompasses 92 plant species belonging to 56 families thriving in the study area. The information gathered includes ethnobotanical inventory and their pharmacological uses. Quantitative analysis throws light on the consistence of RFC and UV. Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the most abundant families represented by 6 species each. Shoots were the most used parts (23.6%) and wound healing (7.91%) was the most common therapeutic use.

CONCLUSION

The result obtained from the study implies that local inhabitants rely on these plants for their medicinal requirements. Also, the statistics reveal that, the vegetation can be assessed for potential drug leads. However, urban expansion is threatening the existence of indigenous flora and old generation with ancient herbal wisdom is perishing. So, it appears imperative to preserve the traditional knowledge. This survey is expected to contribute to the discovery of novel bioactive constituents, stimulate conservation efforts of the perturbed flora and promote sustainable exploitation of the medicinal bounty.