Hepatoprotective activity of picroliv, curcumin and ellagic acid compared to silymarin on paracetamol induced liver toxicity in mice

Advancements in nanotechnology for the delivery of phytochemicals

Phytosomes (phytophospholipid complex) are dosage forms that have recently been introduced to increase the stability and therapeutic effect of herbal medicine. Currently, bioactive herbs and the phytochemicals they contain are considered to be the best remedies for chronic diseases. One promising approach to increase the efficacy of plant-based therapies is to improve the stability and bioavailability of their bio-active ingredients. Phytosomes employ phospholipids as their active ingredients, and use their amphiphilic properties to solubilize and protect herbal extracts. The unique properties of phospholipids in drug delivery and their use in herbal medicines to improve bioavailability results in significantly enhanced health benefits. The introduction of phytosome nanotechnology can alter and revolutionize the current state of drug delivery. The goal of this review is to explain the application of phytosomes, their future prospects in drug delivery, and their advantages over conventional formulations. Please cite this article as: Chauhan D, Yadav PK, Sultana N, Agarwal A, Verma S, Chourasia MK, Gayen JR. Advancements in nanotechnology for the delivery of phytochemicals. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(4): 385-398.

Post-COVID-19 approach to teaching an undergraduate laboratory class focused on experimental design and data interpretation

To best prepare students for the real-world research environment, key skills, including experimental design, data analysis, communication of results, and critical thinking, should be key components of undergraduate science courses. Furthermore, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on in-person teaching has resulted in a need to develop courses that enable flexible learning. This paper details the laboratory component of a senior-level toxicology class that was developed to emphasize all these skills and allow for flexible learning. The aim of the laboratory class was for students to determine how curcumin protected against acetaminophen-induced hepatoxicity. To stimulate critical thinking, students were required to choose a maximum of four experiments from the six on offer. Before conducting an experiment, students stated a hypothesis and selected the appropriate treatment groups. Once an experiment was completed, students were given access to a complete dataset, on which they performed statistical analysis and drew conclusions. Students who were unable to attend the laboratory session in person were able to complete the required pre-lab work and access the dataset. Following each experiment, students could write a lab summary, and receive thorough feedback. The final assessment was a written manuscript of their findings as well as a chance to respond to reviewer comments. This teaching approach prioritized the critical thinking, analysis, and experimental design aspects of scientific research. Overall, this structure was well received by students and it could easily be adapted for use on other life science courses.

Sodium Pentaborate Prevents Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatorenal Injury by Suppressing Oxidative Stress, Lipid Peroxidation, Apoptosis, and Inflammatory Cytokines in Rats

Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, APAP, or paracetamol) is one of the drugs that may be damaging to the kidneys and liver when used in excess. In this context, it is vital to treat these side effects on the liver and kidneys with various antioxidants. Diseases have been treated using herbal and mineral remedies since ancient times. The mineral boron, found in rocks and water, is a crucial ingredient with multiple positive biological effects. The primary objective of this research is to determine whether or not boron has a protective effect against the toxicity generated by APAP in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated orally with boron-source sodium pentaborate (B50 and B100 mg/kg) for 6 days by gastric gavage in order to counteract the toxicity caused by a single dose of APAP (1g/kg). APAP increased lipid peroxidation as well as serum BUN, creatinine concentrations, and serum activities of AST, ALP, and ALT by consuming GSH in liver and kidney tissues. In addition, the activity of antioxidative enzymes, including SOD, CAT, and GPx, was diminished. Inflammatory indicators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-33 were elevated in conjunction with APAP toxicity. In kidney and liver tissues, APAP dramatically increased the activity of caspase-3 and triggered apoptosis. Sodium pentaborate therapy on a short-term basis reduced biochemical levels despite these effects of APAP. This study showed that boron protects rats from the harmful effects of APAP by acting as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic agent.

Are silymarin and N-acetylcysteine able to prevent liver damage mediated by multiple factors? Findings against ethanol plus LPS-induced liver injury in mice

This study investigated the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and silymarin (SIL) in the liver of mice exposed to ethanol and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Mice were divided into four groups (n = 6): naive, vehicle, NAC (200 mg/kg), and SIL (200 mg/kg). Treatments were given orally (po) once daily for 10 days. Liver injury was induced by administration of ethanol (30%, po) for 10 days, once daily, followed by a single administration of LPS (2 mg/kg, ip) 24 h before euthanasia. After the treatment period, animals were euthanized, and liver and blood samples were collected. NAC, but not SIL, prevented the increase in oxalacetic glutamic transaminase (OGT) and pyruvic glutamic transaminase (PGT) serum levels. NAC and SIL did not restore levels of reduced glutathione or hepatic malonaldehyde. The treatments with NAC or SIL showed no difference in the activity of glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase compared to vehicle group. Myeloperoxidase and N-acetylglucosaminidase activities are increased, as well as the IL-6 and IL-10 levels in the liver. The treatment with NAC, but not SIL, reduced the N-acetylglucosamines activity and the IL-6 and IL-10 amount in the liver. Histological findings revealed microsteatosis in the vehicle group, which was not prevented by SIL but was partially reduced in animals receiving NAC. Unlike other liver injury models, NAC (200 mg/kg) or SIL (200 mg/kg) did not positively affect antioxidant patterns in liver tissue of animals exposed to ethanol plus LPS, but NAC treatment displays anti-inflammatory properties in this model.

A comprehensive review on medicinal plants possessing antioxidant potential

Many research studies have proposed that about two-thirds of the medicinal plant species of the world possess significant antioxidant potential. Antioxidants are very beneficial as they decrease oxidative stress (OS) in cells and hence play their role in management as well as treatment of numerous diseases like cancers, cardiovascular diseases, as well as many inflammatory illnesses. This review comprises the antioxidant potential of numerous parts of medicinal plants like leaves, stems, roots, seeds, fruits, as well as bark. Synthetic antioxidants named butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) as well as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are extensively employed in foods because of their role as food preservatives. Several natural antioxidants have better efficacy as compared to synthetic antioxidants. These medicinal plants include Geranium sanguineum L., Rheum ribes L., Diospyros abyssinica, Sargentodoxa cuneata Rehd. Et Wils, Pistacia lentiscus, Ficus microcarpa L. fil., Polyalthia cerasoides (Roxb.) Bedd, Cunn, Teucrium polium L., Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham., Urtica dioica L., Dracocephalum moldavica L., Momordica Charantia L., Acacia auriculiformis A., Bidens pilosa Linn. The Lamiaceae species, Radiata, Leea indica, Pelargonium endlicherianum, Salvia officinalis L., and Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC. The literature study disclosed more side effects of synthetic antioxidants (including food additives) in comparison with natural antioxidants and for prevention of many diseases.

Effect of Administration of an Equal Dose of Selected Dietary Chemicals on Nrf2 Nuclear Translocation in the Mouse Liver

Certain dietary chemicals influenced the expression of chemopreventive genes through the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. However, the difference in Nrf2 activation potency of these chemicals is not well studied. This study is aimed at determining the difference in the potency of liver Nrf2 nuclear translocation induced by the administration of equal doses of selected dietary chemicals in mice. Male ICR white mice were administered 50 mg/kg of sulforaphane, quercetin, curcumin, butylated hydroxyanisole, and indole-3-carbinol for 14 days. On day 15, the animals were sacrificed, and their livers were isolated. Liver nuclear extracts were prepared, and Nrf2 nuclear translocation was detected through Western blotting. To determine the implication of the Nrf2 nuclear translocation on the expression levels of several Nrf2-regulated genes, liver RNA was extracted for qPCR assay. Equal doses of sulforaphane, quercetin, curcumin, butylated hydroxyanisole, and indole-3-carbinol significantly induced the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 with different intensities and subsequently increased the expression of Nrf2-regulated genes with an almost similar pattern as the Nrf2 nuclear translocation intensities (sulforaphane > butylated hydroxyanisole = indole-3-carbinol > curcumin > quercetin). In conclusion, sulforaphane is the most potent dietary chemical that induces the Nrf2 translocation into the nuclear fraction in the mouse liver.

Protective effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) and its main components against natural and chemical toxic agents: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Different chemical toxicants or natural toxins can damage human health through various routes such as air, water, fruits, foods, and vegetables.

PURPOSE

Herbal medicines may be safe and selective for the prevention of toxic agents due to their active ingredients and various pharmacological properties. According to the beneficial properties of pomegranate, this paper summarized the protective effects of this plant against toxic substances.

STUDY DESIGN

In this review, we focused on the findings of in vivo and in vitro studies of the protective effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) and its active components including ellagic acid and punicalagin, against natural and chemical toxic agents.

METHODS

We collected articles from the following databases or search engines such as Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, Pubmed and Scopus without a time limit until the end of September 2022.

RESULTS

P. granatum and its constituents have shown protective effects against natural toxins such as aflatoxins, and endotoxins as well as chemical toxicants for instance arsenic, diazinon, and carbon tetrachloride. The protective effects of these compounds are related to different mechanisms such as the prevention of oxidative stress, and reduction of inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) and nuclear factor ĸB (NF-ĸB) as well as the modulation of apoptosis, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways and improvement of liver or cardiac function via regulation of enzymes.

CONCLUSION

In this review, different in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that P. granatum and its active constituents have protective effects against natural and chemical toxic agents via different mechanisms. There are no clinical trials on the protective effects of P. granatum against toxic agents.

The Synergistic Hepatoprotective Activity of Rosemary Essential Oil and Curcumin: The Role of the MEK/ERK Pathway

BACKGROUND

Curcumin is a natural product obtained from the rhizome of Curcuma longa. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a medicinal and aromatic plant that is widely spread in the Mediterranean region. Both Curcumin and rosemary essential oil are natural products of high medicinal and pharmacological significance. The hepatoprotective effect of both natural products is well-established; however, the mechanism of such action is not fully understood. Thus, this study is an attempt to explore the hepatoprotective mechanism of action of these remedies through their effect on MEK and ERK proteins. Furthermore, the effect of rosemary essential oil on the plasma concentration of curcumin has been scrutinized.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The major constituents of REO were qualitatively and quantitatively determined by GC/MS and GC/FID, respectively. Curcumin and rosemary essential oil were given to mice in a pre-treatment model, followed by induction of liver injury through a high dose of paracetamol. Serum liver enzymes, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activities, the inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers, as well as the MEK and ERK portions, were verified. The plasma levels of curcumin were determined in the presence and absence of rosemary essential oil.

RESULTS

The major constituents of REO were 1,8-cineole (51.52%), camphor (10.52%), and α-pinene (8.41%). The results revealed a superior hepatoprotective activity of the combination when compared to each natural product alone, as demonstrated by the lowered liver enzymes, lipid peroxidation, mitigated inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers, and enhanced antioxidant activities. Furthermore, the combination induced the overexpression of MEK and ERK proteins, providing evidence for the involvement of this cascade in the hepatoprotective activity of such natural products. The administration of rosemary essential oil with curcumin enhanced the curcuminoid plasma level.

CONCLUSION

The co-administration of both curcumin and rosemary essential oil together enhanced both their hepatoprotective activity and the level of curcumin in plasma, indicating a synergistic activity between both natural products.

Cassia alata, Coriandrum sativum, Curcuma longa and Azadirachta indica: Food Ingredients as Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Atopic Dermatitis-A Comprehensive Review

Traditional medicine is critical in disease treatment and management. Herbs are gaining popularity for disease management and treatment. Therefore, they can be utilised as complementary and alternative treatment (CAT) ingredients. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the common non-communicable diseases. It is characterised by chronic inflammatory skin disease with intense pruritus and eczematous lesions. AD is associated with oxidative stress, microbial infection, and upregulation of inflammatory cytokines. Both children and adults could be affected by this skin disorder. The prevalence of AD is increasing along with the country’s level of development. This review revisited the literature on four medicinal herbs widely used as complementary medicine to manage AD. These therapeutic herbs are commonly eaten as food and used as spices in Asian cuisine. The four food herbs reviewed are Cassia alata, Coriandrum sativum, Curcuma longa Linn, and Azadirachta indica. Their traditional uses and phytochemical content will be covered. Four relevant pharmacological and biological activities of the plants crucial in AD management have been reviewed and discussed, including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, and wound recovery.

Ferroportin-dependent ferroptosis induced by ellagic acid retards liver fibrosis by impairing the SNARE complexes formation

Chronic liver injury causing liver fibrosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Targeting the suppression of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is recognized as an effective strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenol product isolated from fruits and vegetables, possesses many biological functions. Here, EA exerts its antifibrotic activity by inducing ferroptotic cell death of activated HSCs, which is accompanied by redox-active iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and GSH depletion in CCl₄ mice and human LX-2 cells. The specific ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 prevented EA-induced ferroptotic cell death. Mechanistically, EA impairs the formation of vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2)/syntaxin 4 and VAMP2/synaptosome-associated protein 23 complexes by suppressing VAMP2 expression by enhancing its degradation in a proteasome-dependent pathway. This leads to the impairment of ferroportin (FPN, an iron exporter) translocation and intracellular iron extrusion. Interestingly, VAMP2 overexpression inhibits the role of EA in blocking FPN translocation and increasing intracellular ferritin content (an iron storage marker). In contrast, VAMP2 knockdown shows a synergistic effect on EA-mediated ferroptotic events in both HSCs. Additionally, HSC-specific overexpression of VAMP2 impaired EA-induced HSC ferroptosis in mouse liver fibrosis, and HSC-specific VAMP2 knockdown increased the inhibitory effect of EA on fibrosis. Taken together, our data suggest that the natural product EA exerts its antifibrotic effects by inducing FPN-dependent ferroptosis of HSCs by disrupting the formation of SNARE complexes, and EA will hopefully serve as a prospective compound for liver fibrosis treatment.

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EA exerts its antifibrotic activity by inducing ferroptotic cell death of activated HSCs in CCl4/BDL mice.

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EA blocks the SNARE complexes formation by suppressing VAMP2by enhancing its degradation in a proteasome-dependent pathway.

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Impairment SNARE complexes suppress FPN translocation, which in turn prevents intracellular iron extrusion.

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EA induces ferroptosis of HSCs resulting from intracellular excessive iron accumulation.

Acacia sieberiana (Fabaceae) attenuates paracetamol and Bile Duct Ligation-Induced hepatotoxicity via modulation of biochemical and oxidative stress biomarkers

Background: The plant Acacia sieberiana (Fabaceae) is traditionally used to manage hepatitis. This research work aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effectiveness of root bark extract of Acacia sieberiana (ASE) against paracetamol (PCM) and bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced hepatotoxicity. The phytochemical and median lethal dose (LD50) investigations were conducted. The rats were pre-treated with the ASE (250, 750, and 1,500 mg/kg) once daily via oral route for 7 consecutive days. On the 8th day, liver injury was initiated by PCM administration (2 g/kg). Similarly, in the BDL-induced liver injury, the animals were administered ASE (125, 250, and 380 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 7 consecutive days. After 24 h, blood samples and hepatic tissues were obtained for biochemical and histopathological investigations. Results: Phytocomponents determination revealed glycosides, triterpenes, glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids. The oral and intraperitoneal LD50 values of the ASE were >5,000 and 1,300 mg/kg, respectively. The ASE efficiently (p < 0.05) decreased the alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels and elevated the albumin and total protein (TP) levels. The direct bilirubin effectively (p < 0.05) decreased at 750 mg/kg. Besides, the extract efficiently elevated the glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in relation to the PCM hepatotoxic group. Also, the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was reduced by the ASE. Meanwhile, in the BDL-induced liver injury, the ASE remarkably (p < 0.05) declined the AST, ALP, bilirubin,and MDA. Besides, there was effective (p < 0.05) elevation in SOD, GPx and CAT in the ASE-treated groups. The morphology of liver tissue was preserved at 125 and 250 mg/kg ASE groups from BDL-induced necrosis and vascular congestion. Conclusion: The study shows that the ASE has hepatoprotective actions against liver damage by possible modulation of biochemical and oxidative stress biomarkers.

Deciphering the Underlying Mechanisms of Formula Le-Cao-Shi Against Liver Injuries by Integrating Network Pharmacology, Metabonomics, and Experimental Validation

Le-Cao-Shi (LCS) has long been used as a folk traditional Chinese medicine formula against liver injuries, whereas its pharmacological mechanisms remain elusive. Our study aims to investigate the underlying mechanism of LCS in treating liver injuries via integrated network pharmacology, metabonomics, and experimental validation. By network pharmacology, 57 compounds were screened as candidate compounds based on ADME parameters from the LCS compound bank (213 compounds collected from the literature of three single herbs). According to online compound–target databases, the aforementioned candidate compounds were predicted to target 87 potential targets related to liver injuries. More than 15 pathways connected with these potential targets were considered vital pathways in collectively modulating liver injuries, which were found to be relevant to cancer, xenobiotic metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes, bile secretion, inflammation, and antioxidation. Metabonomics analysis by using the supernatant of the rat liver homogenate with UPLC-Q-TOF/MS demonstrated that 18 potential biomarkers could be regulated by LCS, which was closely related to linoleic acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways. Linoleic acid metabolism and glutathione metabolism pathways were two key common pathways in both network pharmacology and metabonomics analysis. In ELISA experiments with the CCl₄-induced rat liver injury model, LCS was found to significantly reduce the levels of inflammatory parameters, decrease liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and enhance the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes, which validated that LCS could inhibit liver injuries through anti-inflammatory property and by suppressing lipid peroxidation and improving the antioxidant defense system. Our work could provide new insights into the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of LCS against liver injuries, which is beneficial for its further investigation and modernization.

Combination of Vitamin C and Curcumin Safeguards Against Methotrexate-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice by Synergistic Antioxidant Effects

Methotrexate (MTX), an antineoplastic and immunosuppressive drug, widely used in the treatment of different types of cancers and the management of chronic inflammatory diseases. However, its use is associated with hepatotoxicity. Vitamin C (VC) and curcumin (CUR) exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Thus, we aimed to investigate the potential hepatoprotective effects of VC and CUR pretreatment alone and in combination against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity. Albino mice were randomly divided into 7 groups: the control group, which received only normal saline; MTX group; VC group, pretreated with VC (100 or 200 mg/kg/day orally) for 10 days; CUR group, pretreated with CUR (10 or 20 mg/kg/day orally); and combination group, which received VC (100 mg/kg) and CUR (10 mg/kg). MTX was administered (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) to all the groups on the tenth day to induce hepatotoxicity. Forty eight hours after MTX administration, the mice were anesthetized. Blood samples were collected, the liver was removed for biochemical analysis, and a part of the tissue was preserved in formalin for histopathological analysis. The results indicated that pretreatment with a combination of VC and CUR induced a more significant decrease in the serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactic dehydrogenase and a significant increase in the tissue level of superoxide dismutase and glutathione; furthermore, it induced a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels and improvement in histopathological changes in the liver tissues, confirming the potential hepatoprotective effects of the combination therapy on MTX-induced liver injury. To conclude, MTX-induced hepatotoxicity is mediated by induction of oxidative stress as evident by increased lipid peroxidation and reduction of antioxidant enzyme activity. Pretreatment with VC, CUR or their combination reduces the MTX-induced hepatotoxicity by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the combined effect of VC and CUR provided a synergistic hepatoprotective effect that surpasses pretreatment with CUR alone but seems to be similar to that of VC 200 mg/kg/day. Therefore, VC and CUR combination or a large dose of VC could be effective against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity. In this regard, further studies are warranted to confirm the combined hepatoprotective effect of VC and CUR against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity.

The Anti-Genotoxic Activity of Wastewaters Produced after Water-Steam Distillation of Bulgarian Rosa damascena Mill. and Rosa alba L. Essential Oils

The steam distillation of valuable rose essential oil from R. damascena Mill. and R. alba L. generates large volumes of wastewaters. Although such wastewaters are bio-pollutants, they contain valuable bioactive compounds. In this study we investigated the cytotoxic/genotoxic and anti-cytotoxic/anti-genotoxic potential of these products. We used cytogenetic methods for induction of chromosome aberrations and micronuclei in two different experimental test-systems: ahigher plant and human lymphocyte cultures. Different experimental schemes of treatment with the waste products showed that the genotoxic activity of wastewater from the distillation of oils from R. alba and R. damascena was low in both test–systems. Human lymphocytes showed a higher sensitivity to the products than plant cells. Both types of waste products manifested anti-genotoxic effect against N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, a direct mutagen. The wastewaters obtained from steam distillation of rose essential oil have cytoprotective/genoprotective effect and could decrease DNA damage. Data are promising for further use of these products in pharmacy and other areas of human life.

Ellagic Acid: A Review on Its Natural Sources, Chemical Stability, and Therapeutic Potential

Ellagic acid (EA) is a bioactive polyphenolic compound naturally occurring as secondary metabolite in many plant taxa. EA content is considerable in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and in wood and bark of some tree species. Structurally, EA is a dilactone of hexahydroxydiphenic acid (HHDP), a dimeric gallic acid derivative, produced mainly by hydrolysis of ellagitannins, a widely distributed group of secondary metabolites. EA is attracting attention due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antiproliferative properties. EA displayed pharmacological effects in various in vitro and in vivo model systems. Furthermore, EA has also been well documented for its antiallergic, antiatherosclerotic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and neuroprotective properties. This review reports on the health-promoting effects of EA, along with possible mechanisms of its action in maintaining the health status, by summarizing the literature related to the therapeutic potential of this polyphenolic in the treatment of several human diseases.

Novel Therapies for the Treatment of Drug-Induced Liver Injury: A Systematic Review

Many drugs with different mechanisms of action and indications available on the market today are capable of inducing hepatotoxicity. Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) has been a treatment challenge nowadays as it was in the past. We searched Medline (via PubMed), CENTRAL, Science Citation Index Expanded, clinical trials registries and databases of DILI and hepatotoxicity up to 2021 for novel therapies for the management of adult patients with DILI based on the combination of three main search terms: 1) treatment, 2) novel, and 3) drug-induced liver injury. The mechanism of action of novel therapies, the potential of their benefit in clinical settings, and adverse drug reactions related to novel therapies were extracted. Cochrane Risk of bias tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) assessment approach was involved in the assessment of the certainty of the evidence for primary outcomes of included studies. One thousand three hundred seventy-two articles were identified. Twenty-eight articles were included in the final analysis. Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were detected and for six the available data were sufficient for analysis. In abstract form only we found six studies which were also anaylzed. Investigated agents included: bicyclol, calmangafodipir, cytisin amidophospate, fomepizole, livina-polyherbal preparation, magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG), picroliv, plasma exchange, radix Paeoniae Rubra, and S-adenosylmethionine. The primary outcomes of included trials mainly included laboratory markers improvement. Based on the moderate-certainty evidence, more patients treated with MgIG experienced alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization compared to placebo. Low-certainty evidence suggests that bicyclol treatment leads to a reduction of ALT levels compared to phosphatidylcholine. For the remaining eight interventions, the certainty of the evidence for primary outcomes was assessed as very low and we are very uncertain in any estimate of effect. More effort should be involved to investigate the novel treatment of DILI. Well-designed RCTs with appropriate sample sizes, comparable groups and precise, not only surrogate outcomes are urgently welcome.

Medicinal plants used against hepatic disorders in Bangladesh: A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Liver disease is a major cause of illness and death worldwide which accounts for approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide, 1 million due to complications of cirrhosis and 1 million due to viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. That's why it is seeking the researchers' attention to find out the effective treatment strategies. Phytochemicals from natural resources are the main leads for the development of noble hepatoprotective drugs. The majority of the natural sources whose active compounds are currently employed actually have an ethnomedical use. Ethnopharmacological research is essential for the development of these bioactive compounds. These studies not only provide scientific evidence on medicinal plants utilized for particular therapeutic purposes, but they also ensure cultural heritage preservation. Plenty of experimental studies have been well-documented that the ethnomedicinal plants are of therapeutics' interest for the advanced pharmacological intervention in terms of hepatic disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study summarizes the processes of hepatotoxicity induced by various toxins and explores identified hepatoprotective plants and their phytoconstituents, which can guide the extraction of novel phytochemical constituents from plants to treat liver injury. This review aimed to summarize the hepatoprotective activity of Bangladeshi medicinal plants where the bioactive compounds may be leads for the drug discovery in future.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature searches in electronic databases, such as Web of Science, Science Direct, SpringerLink, PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, Scopus, BanglaJOL, and so on, were performed using the keywords 'Bangladesh', 'ethnomedicinal plants', 'Hepatoprotective agents' as for primary searches, and secondary search terms were used as follows, either alone or in combination: traditional medicine, medicinal plants, folk medicine, liver, hepatitis, therapeutic uses, and anti-inflammatory. Besides, several books, including the book entitled "Medicinal plants of Bangladesh: chemical constituents and uses" authored by Abdul Ghani, were carefully considered, which contained pharmacological properties and phytoconstituents of many medicinal plants growing and traditionally available in Bangladesh. Among them, the most promising plant species with their latest therapeutic effects against hepatic disorders were deeply considered in this review.

RESULTS

The results of this study revealed that in most cases, therapy using plant extracts stabilized altered hepatic biochemical markers induced by hepatotoxins. Initially, we investigated 32 plant species for hepatoprotective activity, however after extensive literature searching; we observed that 20 plants offer good pharmacological evidence of hepatoprotective function. Consequently, most bioactive compounds derived from the herbs including berberine, thymoquinone, andrographolide, ursolic acid, luteolin, naringenin, genistein, quercetin, troxerutin, morin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, chlorogenic acid, emodin, curcumin, resveratrol, capsaicin, ellagic acid, etc. are appeared to be effective against hepatic disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Flavonoids, phenolic acids, monoterpenoids, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, chromenes, capsaicinoids, curcuminoids, and anthraquinones are among the phytoconstituents were appraised to have hepatoprotective activities. All the actions displayed by these ethnomedicinal plants could make them serve as leads in the formulation of drugs with higher efficacy to treat hepatic disorders.

Protective effect of aqueous leaf extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens on doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

Background:

The liver is one of the organs affected by doxorubicin toxicity. Therefore, in this study, the potential protective role of aqueous leaf extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity was investigated.

Methods:

In order to achieve this, their impact on hepatic biomarkers of oxidative stress, lipid and electrolytes’ profile, and plasma biomarkers of liver functions/integrity were monitored in doxorubicin treated rats. The animals were treated with either metformin (250 mg/kg body weight orally for 14 days) or the extracts (50, 75, and 100 mg/kg orally for 14 days) and/or doxorubicin (15 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, 48 h before sacrifice).

Results:

The hepatic malondialdehyde, cholesterol, calcium, and sodium concentrations, and plasma activities of alanine and aspartate transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, as well as plasma albumin to globulin ratio of test control were significantly (P < .05) higher than those of all the other groups. However, the plasma albumin, total protein, globulin, and total bilirubin concentrations; hepatic concentrations of ascorbic acid, chloride, magnesium, and potassium; and hepatic activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase of test control were significantly (P < .05) lower than those of all the other groups.

Conclusions:

Pretreatment with the extracts and metformin prevented to varying degrees, doxorubicin-induced hepatic damage, as indicated by the attenuation of doxorubicin-induced adverse alterations in hepatic biomarkers of oxidative stress, lipid and electrolyte profiles, and plasma biomarkers of hepatic function/integrity, and keeping them at near-normal values.

Hepatoprotective effect of Pandanus odoratissimus seed extracts on paracetamol-induced rats

CONTEXT

Pandanus odoratissimus Linn. (Pandanaceae) seed extract is known to have antioxidant activities. However, the potential hepatoprotective effect is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the hepatoprotection aspect of P. odoratissimus methanol extract towards paracetamol-induced rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six equal groups: one group served as the healthy control and five groups with hepatotoxicity (hepatotoxic control and 4 treatment groups). The oral treatment of paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity of 3 g/kg using three different concentrations of P. odoratissimus (300, 600 and 900 mg/kg), and silymarin (200 mg/kg) groups were administered once a day for 14 days. Enzyme activities and protein levels in serum were determined in rats at the end of the treatments. The histopathology of rat livers was observed under an electron microscope with 10× magnification.

RESULTS

Pandanus odoratissimus significantly decreased the serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities in induced-paracetamol rat serum (p < 0.05). Moreover, P. odoratissimus significantly decreased total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels (p < 0.05). It significantly blocked the decline of serum albumin and protein levels (p < 0.05). Histopathological changes amplified paracetamol-induced liver damage and the hepatoprotective effect of P. odoratissimus in the liver.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Pandanus odoratissimus improved the hepatoprotective effect in a concentration-dependent manner by reducing related hepatic enzyme and protein markers, suggesting as a useful agent in hepatotoxicity treatment, and it can be generalized to a broader study population in different hepatotoxic animal models.

Protective Effects of Ellagic Acid Against Alcoholic Liver Disease in Mice

Ellagic acid, a natural polyphenolic compound commonly present in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and other edible plants, exerts many pharmacological activities. The present project was designed to explore the hepatoprotective effect of ellagic acid against alcohol-induced liver disease (ALD) and the correlation among alcohol, oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota. Fifty percent (v/v) alcohol (10 mL/kg bw daily) was orally administrated for 4 weeks in mice along with ellagic acid (50 and 100 mg/kg bw). Alcohol administration significantly (p < 0.05) increased the activities of alanine aminotransferase and serum aspartate aminotransferase, levels of triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, free fatty acid, and total cholesterol, and decreased contents of the high-density lipoprotein in model group compared with the control group, which were further improved by ellagic acid (50 or 100 mg/kg bw). Furthermore, daily supplementation of ellagic acid alleviated hepatic antioxidant activities (glutathione peroxidase, catalase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione), proinflammatory cytokines levels (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α), genes expressions (Tlr4, Myd88, Cd14, Cox2, Nos2, and Nfκb1), and histopathological features in alcohol-induced liver injured mice. Additionally, results also revealed that ellagic acid supplementation improved alcohol-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis. In conclusion, ellagic acid mitigated oxidative stress, inflammatory response, steatosis, and gut microbiota dysbiosis in ALD mice. Our results suggested that ellagic acid could be applied as an ideal dietary therapy against ALD.

Roles of Suaeda vermiculata Aqueous-Ethanolic Extract, Its Subsequent Fractions, and the Isolated Compounds in Hepatoprotection against Paracetamol-Induced Toxicity as Compared to Silymarin

Suaeda vermiculata, a halophyte consumed by livestock, is also used by Bedouins to manage liver disorders. The aqueous-ethanolic extract of S. vermiculata, its subsequent fractions, and pure compounds, i.e., pheophytin-A (1), isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (2), and quercetin (3), were evaluated for their hepatoprotective efficacy. The male mice were daily fed with either silymarin, plant aq.-ethanolic extract, fractions, pure isolated compounds, or carboxyl methylcellulose (CMC) for 7 days (n = 6/group, p.o.). On the day 7th of the administrations, all, except the intact animal groups, were induced with hepatotoxicity using paracetamol (PCM, 300 mg/kg). The anesthetized animals were euthanized after 24 h; blood and liver tissues were collected and analysed. The serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels decreased significantly for all the S. vermiculata aq.-ethanolic extract, fraction, and compound-treated groups when equated with the PCM group (p < 0.0001). The antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD), increased significantly (p < 0.05) for the silymarin-, n-hexane-, and quercetin-fed groups. Similarly, the catalase (CAT) enzyme level significantly increased for all the groups, except for the compound 2-treated group as compared to the CMC group. Also, the glutathione reductase (GR) levels were significantly increased for the n-butanol treated group than for the PCM group. The oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxide (LP) and nitric oxide (NO), the inflammatory markers, IL-6 and TNF-α, and the kidney's functional biomarker parameters remained unchanged and did not differ significantly for the treated groups in comparison to the PCM-induced toxicity bearing animals. All the treated groups demonstrated significant decreases in cholesterol levels as compared to the PCM group, indicating hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects. The quercetin-treated group demonstrated significant improvement in triglyceride level. The S. vermiculata aq.-ethanolic extract, fractions, and the isolated compounds demonstrated their hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects, confirming the claimed traditional use of the herb as a liver protectant.

Solid-State Fluorescent Selenium Quantum Dots by a Solvothermal-Assisted Sol-Gel Route for Curcumin Sensing

Toward the need for solid-state fluorescent quantum dots, resistant to self-quenching, we describe a solvothermal-assisted sol-gel method to synthesize Se quantum dots. Morphological and crystalline characterizations reveal that Se quantum dots (average size 3-8 nm) have a trigonal crystal structure. The presence of planar defects (dislocations, stacking faults, twins, and grain boundaries) suggests formation of Se nanocrystallites through aggregation-based crystal growth mechanisms. Under ultraviolet excitation, the quantum dots exhibit an excitation wavelength-dependent solid-state blue emission with an average lifetime of 1.96 ns. Depending on fluorescence quenching by curcumin, selenium quantum dots act as ideal candidates for inner filter effect-based curcumin sensing.

Curcumin Improved Glucose Intolerance, Renal Injury, and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Decreased Chromium Loss through Urine in Obese Mice

Obesity-associated hyperglycemia underlies insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and related metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes, renal damage, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Turmeric root is commonly used in Asia, and curcumin, one of its pharmacological components, can play a role in preventing and treating certain chronic physiological disorders. Accordingly, this study examined how high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia are reduced by curcumin through changes in fatty liver scores, chromium distribution, and renal injury in mice. Relative to the control group, also fed an HFD, the curcumin group weighed less and had smaller adipocytes; it also had lower daily food efficiency, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, serum and hepatic triglyceride levels, and hepatic lipid regulation marker expression. The curcumin-treated obese group exhibited significantly lower fasting blood glucose, was less glucose intolerant, had higher Akt phosphorylation and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression, and had greater serum insulin levels. Moreover, the group showed renal damage with lower TNF-α expression along with more numerous renal antioxidative enzymes that included superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. The liver histology of the curcumin-treated obese mice showed superior lipid infiltration and fewer FASN and PNPLA3 proteins in comparison with the control mice. Curcumin contributed to creating a positive chromium balance by decreasing the amount of chromium lost through urine, leading to the chromium mobilization needed to mitigate hyperglycemia. Thus, the results suggest that curcumin prevents HFD-induced glucose intolerance, kidney injury, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Anacardium occidentale L. and Anacardium microcarpum D. Extracts on the Liver of IL-10 Knockout Mice

Background

The Anacardium occidentale L. (cashew) and Anacardium microcarpum D. (cajuí) are plants commonly found in Brazil. They present phytochemical compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic extracts from leaves of A. occidentale and A. microcarpum and its effect on the hepatic tissue in experimental knockout models after they received Paracetamol®.

Methods

Ethanol extracts from A. occidentale and A. microcarpum leaves were prepared. Total phenolics were determined by Folin–Ciocalteau reagent, and flavonoids are based on the complexation reaction with the aluminum metal, forming a colored complex. Fingerprint HPLC was performed to detect phenolic compounds. Knockout IL-10 mice randomly divided into six groups were used and received the following treatments: G1, only water; G2, A. occidentale extract; G3, A. microcarpum extract; G4, Paracetamol®; G5, Paracetamol® + A. occidentale extract (400 mg/kg); G6, Paracetamol® + A. microcarpum extract (400 mg/kg). Biochemical parameters of the blood and differential count of leukocytes were done. Oxidative markers and histopathological analyses were performed on their liver tissue.

Results

Phenolic compounds and total flavonoids were detected in both two extracts analyzed. The HPLC fingerprint detected phenolic acid, gallic acid, and catechin flavonoid in the two extracts. Histopathological analyses of the hepatic tissue permitted evaluation of nuclear increase, sinusoid congestion, and inflammatory infiltrate. A. microcarpum presented more antioxidant activity increasing antioxidant enzyme levels and reducing TBARS and carbonyl protein when compared to the other treatments after exposure to Paracetamol®. Histopathological analyses showed a decrease in the inflammatory infiltrate after treatment with extracts.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that both extracts, especially A. microcarpum, can reduce hepatic damage in knockout mice exposed to paracetamol, indicating the curative power of these extracts reducing lipid peroxidation and in the morphofunctional damage to the liver parenchyma.

Role of ellagic acid for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases

Globally, one of the alarming problems is the prevalence and burden of liver diseases, which accounts for 2 million cases per year. Chronic liver aetiologies such as hepatitis infections, alcoholic or non-alcoholic liver disease, environmental agents, and drug-induced toxicity are invariably responsible for liver fibrosis progression to finally hepatocellular carcinoma. Current treatment options are unable to overwhelm and cure liver diseases. Emerging findings suggest researchers' interest in using evidence-based complementary medicine such as ellagic acid with extensive pharmacological properties. They include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidaemic, anti-viral, anti-angiogenic, and anticancer activity. The molecular functions elicited by ellagic acid include scavenging of free radicals, regulation of lipid metabolism, the prohibition of fibrogenesis response-mediating proteins, inhibits hepatic stellate cells and myofibroblasts, restrains hepatic viral replication, facilitates suppression of growth factors, regulates transcription factors, proinflammatory cytokines, augments the liver immune response, fosters apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation in tumorigenic cells. This review will most notably focus on preclinical and clinical information based on currently available evidence to warrant ellagic acid's prospective role in preventing liver diseases.

The role of polyphenols in poultry nutrition

In the last two decades, poultry and animal industries became increasingly interested in using plant-based feed supplements, herbs and their derivatives to retain or enhance their health and productivity. These health benefits for the host mainly attributed to the secondary plant metabolites, namely polyphenols. Polyphenols are renowned for their antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, despite these advantages of polyphenols, they have been characterized by poor absorption in the gut and low concentration in target cells that compromise their role as effective antioxidants. The low bioavailability of polyphenols necessitates the need for further investigations to harness their full potential in poultry farms. This review is existing evidence about the bioavailability of polyphenols and their antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, detoxification properties and their impacts on poultry performance.

Evaluation of the efficacy of toasted white and tannin sorghum flours to improve oxidative stress and lipid profile in vivo

The objective of the present work was to evaluate and compare the effect of toasted white and tannin sorghum flours on lipid metabolism and antioxidant potential in vivo. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were induced to oxidative stress with paracetamol and fed a normal diet (AIN-93M) and diets containing toasted tannin sorghum flour and toasted white sorghum flour (without tannins), replacing 100% cellulose, during 29 days. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by biochemical tests and by quantifying oxidative stress markers. Groups that received toasted sorghum flour with and without tannins showed reduction of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration and improvement of lipid profile, with increase of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) compared to paracetamol control, and did not differ statistically from the AIN-93M control. Moreover, toasted white sorghum flour presented similar efficacy in reducing oxidative stress in liver tissue compared to toasted tannin sorghum flour, although the former had lower total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, suggesting a greater effect of small phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids, in the prevention of oxidative stress. Therefore, toasted white and tannin sorghum flours had similar efficacy to improve the lipid profile and oxidative stress in rats treated with paracetamol, constituting potential sources of antioxidants, which can be used as promising ready-to-eat foods and as ingredients for the development of sorghum-based products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The health benefits of sorghum coupled with the growing interest of the food industry in producing healthier food products have motivated the development of toasted sorghum flours as potential sources of antioxidants and dietary fiber. We have demonstrated that consumption of toasted white and tannin sorghum flours by rats treated with paracetamol had similar efficacy to improve oxidative stress and lipid profile. Thus, these toasted sorghum flours have great potential to be used by the food industry as ready-to-eat foods or as ingredients in the development of various food products.

Ellagic acid ameliorates lung damage in rats via modulating antioxidant activities, inhibitory effects on inflammatory mediators and apoptosis-inducing activities

Phytochemicals is considered one of the most effective and safe alternative therapy against oxidative linked lung diseases. Ellagic acid (EA), an important component of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, are partly responsible for their beneficial health effects against oxidation-related diseases. In the present study, we investigated the ameliorative effect of EA on lung damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in Wistar male albino rats. Thirty-six male rats (n = 36, 8-week old) were divided into 4 groups, each with 9 rats. The groups were: Control group: received standard diet; EA group: administered with EA (10 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal); CCl₄ group: administered with CCl₄ (1.5 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal); EA+CCl₄ group: administered with EA and CCl₄. . The rats were decapitated at the end of experimental period of 8 weeks and the lung tissues were examined. CCl₄-induced rats showed elevation in the expressions of inflammatory proteins, nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α); and the indicator of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA). Intraperitoneal administration of EA significantly reduced the levels of these markers. EA administration increased the protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and enhanced the activity of glutathione (GSH) and catalase enzyme (CAT). In addition, EA administration increased the expression levels of the executioner protein of apoptosis, caspase-3, and decreasing pro-survival protein, B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). In conclusion, these results establishes the protective role of EA in the treatment of lung damage and that in the future, this may have the potential to be used as a medication for the prevention or attenuation of lung diseases. Graphical abstract.

Ellagic acid attenuates liver toxicity induced by valproic acid in rats

Valproic acid is a commonly used drug for many psychiatric disorders, particularly for epilepsy. However, it has been reported that its use is associated with possible side effects including hepatotoxicity. The present study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of ellagic acid against valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Ellagic acid (60 mg/kg/day; p.o) was treated for one week, followed by concomitant injection of valproic acid (250 mg/kg/day; i.p.) for another 14 consecutive days to induce hepatocellular damage in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Valproic acid showed a marked increase in serum enzyme activities, AST, ALT, ALP and GGT. In addition, it significantly increased MDA and NO along with a marked decline in reduced GSH content. At the same time, valproic acid administration resulted in marked elevation in hydroxyproline, TNF-α production and NF-kB expression. These results were confirmed by histopathological examination. Treatment with ellagic acid markedly attenuated valproic acid-induced hepatic injury in rats.

Ellagic acid reduces methotrexate-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction via up-regulating Nrf2 expression and inhibiting the IĸBα/NFĸB in rats

BACKGROUND

The clinical application of methotrexate (MTX), an efficacious cytotoxic drug, is restricted due to its associated liver toxicity. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenol, possesses hepatoprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

OBJECTIVES

The present study seeks to address the hepatoprotective effects of Ellagic acid (EA) against MTX-mediated oxidative stress (OS) and widen our current knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms of MTX toxicity.

METHODS

Wistar rats were orally given EA (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) for 10 successive days and at the end of the third day they were administered a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg i.p).

RESULTS

After performing biochemical analysis, liver enzymes and malondialdehyde were significantly higher in the MTX group, indicating hepatic oxidative damage. MTX-induced OS was further confirmed with observation of events such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, mitochondrial outer membrane potential decrease, mitochondrial swelling, cytochrome c release and caspase-3/9 increase, resulting in apoptosis. Furthermore, overexpression of pro-inflammatory factors such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-ĸB) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) indicated the MTX-induced inflammation in MTX-treated group. Interestingly, EA was able to significantly prevent OS, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and inflammation induced by MTX. Also, EA-treated rats demonstrated significant upregulation of both nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1), which were considerably downregulated in MTX-treated rats.

CONCLUSIONS

EA protects rats against MTX-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction via up-Regulating Nrf2 and HO-1 expression and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, EA may protect patients against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity and encourage its clinical application. Graphical abstract Beneficial effect of Ellagic acid (EA) on Methotrexate (MTX)-induced liver injury: molecular mechanism.

HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFICACY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF INDIGOFERA SUFFRUTICOSA (MILL) ON PARACETAMOL-INDUCED LIVER DAMAGE IN MICE

BACKGROUND

Indigofera suffruticosa Mill (Fabaceae) is abundant in northeastern Brazil and popularly used in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory processes. Several biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antitumor, hepatoprotective and low toxicity, are reported for this plant.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated hepatoprotective activity and the antioxidant effect of methanolic extract of I. suffruticosa leaves (MEIS) on Swiss albino mice submitted to experimental models of acetaminophen-induced liver injury.

METHODS

MEIS (50 mg/kg; p.o.) was standardized according to the LD50 and its hepatoprotective property on Swiss albino mice evaluated during a 7-day period. On the eighth day, the acetaminophen-induced hepatic injury was performed. Histomorphometric analysis of liver tissue, antioxidant activity and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (AST), aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) and bilirubin were measured.

RESULTS

MEIS (50 mg/kg; p.o.) restored serum enzyme levels and results were close to those of positive control (silymarin) when compared to the negative control. Histopathological and histomorphometric analyzes confirmed MEIS hepatoprotective activity, showing reorganization of structural units of cells, nuclei and sinusoidal capillaries of hepatocytes, reducing the damage on liver tissue and increasing organ regeneration rate. MEIS showed high antioxidant potential at concentrations of 1000 and 500 µg/mL.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that MEIS has hepatoprotective activity and high antioxidant potential.

Dextran-immobilized curcumin: An efficient agent against food pathogens and cancer cells

Curcumin–dextran conjugate was synthesized by free radical grafting reaction between curcumin and dextran. The chemical characterization of the conjugate was obtained by Fourier-transform infrared and 1H-NMR (proton nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy analysis, while the functionalization degree was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, finding a 22.93 mg of curcumin/g of dextran conjugate. Antioxidant activity of curcumin and curcumin–dextran conjugate was investigated employing DPPH• radical method, and IC50 (the half maximal inhibitory concentration) values of curcumin and the curcumin–dextran conjugate (Cur equivalents) were 86.6 ± 0.1 and 17.4 ± 1 µM, respectively. The presence of dextran into the curcumin–dextran conjugate improved radical scavenging activities of the curcumin. In addition, antimicrobial effect of curcumin and curcumin–dextran conjugate was evaluated against gram-positive ( Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative ( Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella typhimurium) bacteria. According to our experiments, gram-positive microorganisms are more sensitive to these compounds than gram-negative ones. Curcumin–dextran is a more potent bacteriostat ( S. aureus (minimum inhibitory concentration = 0.008 µg/mL), E. coli O157:H7 (minimum inhibitory concentration = 250 µg/mL), and S. typhimurium (minimum inhibitory concentration = 500 µg/mL)) and also a more potent bacteriosid against S. aureus and S. typhimurium than curcumin. The cytotoxic effects of the curcumin–dextran conjugate toward AGS, MCF-7, and normal fibroblast cell lines were determined at 48 and 72 h using an MTT assay. The results revealed the considerable antiproliferative effects of the curcumin–dextran conjugate in both AGS and MCF-7 cancer cells in comparison with fibroblast cells. This study shows that dextran as a versatile scaffold develops the biological activities of curcumin by covalent grafting and can be regarded in further bioapplications.

Protective effects of curcumin and silymarin against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in adult male albino rats

BACKGROUND

Acute paracetamol (PCM) toxicity is a clinical problem; can result in a serious liver injury that finally may progress to acute liver failure. Curcumin (CUR) is a prevalent natural compound that can maintain prooxidant/antioxidant balance and thus can help in liver protection; also, Silymarin (SL) is a traditional antioxidant herb, used to treat liver disorders through scavenging free radicals. This study aimed to illustrate the histological, biochemical and molecular changes induced by acute PCM overdose on rats' liver to elucidate the effectiveness of CUR compared to SL in alleviating such changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wister Albino rats were divided into 6 groups each comprising 23 rats: control group, curcumin (CUR) treated group received (100 mg CUR/ kg), silymarin treated group received (100 mg SL/kg) for 7 successive days. Paracetamol (PCM) exposed group administered a single dose of PCM (200 mg/kg orally on 8th day). PCM + CUR group and PCM + SL group pretreated with CUR and SL respectively for 7 days then received single PCM dose (200 mg/kg) on the 8th day. Blood and liver tissues were collected for biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses using anti-p53 antibody. In addition, real time polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) was used to measure Bax, bcl2 and Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR γ) mRNA expression levels.

RESULTS

In the paracetamol overdose group, the liver architecture showed necrotic changes, hydropic degeneration, congestion and dilatation of central veins. This hepatocellular damage was confirmed by a significant increase of AST, ALT levels and by an apparent increase in the number of p53 stained cells. PCM toxicity showed significant elevation of total oxidant status (TOS), oxidant status index (OSI) and decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared to controls (p < 0.001). Gene expression analysis showed that PCM caused an elevation of bcl2 and a reduction of both Bax and PPARγ mRNA expression. The histological alternation in the liver architecture was markedly improved in (PCM + CUR) group compared to (PCM+ SL) group, with an obvious decrease in the number of P53 stained cells. CUR pretreatment inhibited the elevation of TOS and OSI as well as the reduction of TAC caused by PCM toxicity compared to (PCM + SL) group.

CONCLUSION

Both SL and CUR pretreatment prevented the toxic effects of PCM, but CUR is more effective than SL in ameliorating acute PCM induced hepatotoxicity.

Curcuma longa extracts suppress pathophysiology of experimental hepatic parenchymal cell necrosis

The study sought to investigate the protective potentials of Curcuma longa rhizome following potassium bromate-induced liver injury in Wistar rats. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats each (n = 5). Control group received normal saline while the other groups received oral administration of 100 mg/kg potassium bromate daily for two weeks to induce hepatic injury. Negative control I rats were sacrificed immediately after induction of hepatic injury, while the test groups were given oral dose of ethanol extract of Curcuma longa rhizome (EECLOR) at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for two weeks. Positive control group was treated with Silymarin for two weeks, while negative control II group was observed for the two-week period. At the end of the study, serum biochemical parameters of liver function enzymes, malondialdehyde and histopathological changes were investigated. Necrotic hepatocytes were quantified in H&E-stained liver sections using the morphologic criteria of typical necrotic tissue. Hepatocytes that remained intact were identified as those with round euchromatic nuclei with prominent nucleoli. Histological examination and morphological grading of the stained sections showed massive necrosis across the zones. EECLOR improved liver functions evidenced by reduced activity of serum amino transferases. It also reduced lipid peroxidation. In addition, there was significant reduction of hepatocytes showing morphological criteria of necrosis in EECLOR-treated rats across the zones, with appreciable radial sinusoidal arrangement. In conclusion, the protective actions of EECLOR against potassium bromate liver toxicity in rats, appears to be due to its ability to reduce lipid peroxidation.

Nanoliposome-encapsulated ellagic acid prevents cyclophosphamide-induced rat liver damage

In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether the encapsulation of ellagic acid (EA) into nanoliposomes would improve its potential in preventing cyclophosphamide-induced liver damage. Stability and antioxidative potential of free and encapsulated EA were determined. Experimental study conducted in vivo included ten groups of rats treated with cyclophosphamide and ellagic acid in its free and encapsulated form during 5 days. The protective effect of EA in its free and encapsulated form was determined based on serum liver function, liver tissue antioxidative capacities, and oxidative tissue damage parameters. Also, tissue morphological changes following cyclophosphamide administration were studied using standard histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. The encapsulation of EA significantly prevented its degradation and improved its antioxidant properties in in vitro conditions. In in vivo experiments in both forms of EA were found to prevent rat liver damage induced by cyclophosphamide estimated through the changes in serum liver-damage parameters and tissue antioxidant capacities, as well as based on oxidatively modified lipids and proteins. Also, changes in morphology of liver cells and the expressions of Bcl-2, HIF-1α, and CD15 molecules in livers of animals of different experimental groups are in accordance with the obtained biochemical parameters. Thus, the encapsulation process might be effective in preventing EA from different environmental influences and could significantly increase its hepatoprotective potential. The encapsulation could prevent ellagic acid degradation and might deliver this potent compound to its target tissue in significantly larger quantities than when it is administered in its free form.

Functional Teas from the Stems of Penthorum chinense Pursh.: Phenolic Constituents, Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activity

Penthorum chinense Pursh (PCP), a medicinal and edible plant, is traditionally used for liver protection and treatment of liver diseases. In this study, we compared the differences of composition and activity of flowers, stems and leaves of PCP to select a bioactive part. The stems of PCP with stronger antioxidant activity (6.25-100 μg/mL) and lower cytotoxicity (25-200 μg/mL) than the flowers and leaves were a better bioactive part. Then the chemical composition and hepatoprotective effects of an aqueous extract and an 70% ethanolic extract made with stems of PCP were investigated. We found that the 70% ethanolic extract enriched more polyphenols and flavonoids and possessed significantly stronger hepatoprotective activity than the aqueous extract in the dose range of 25-200 μg/mL, which indicated that 70% ethanol is the better solvent of PCP in extraction technology. Moreover, ethyl acetate extract of stems of PCP (PSE) was used to evaluate the hepatoprotective ability of PCP against oxidative damage using an in vitro model of a normal rat's liver cell (BRL-3A). Besides, 12 phenolic compounds were identified from PSE by ultra-performance liquid chromatography followed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS). Obtained results strongly support the traditional use of PCP and prove stems of PCP to be an important source of bioactive compounds associated with hepatoprotective activity.

Mechanistic insights of hepatoprotective effects of curcumin: Therapeutic updates and future prospects

The liver is the most essential organ of the body performing vital functions. Hepatic disorders affect the physiological and biochemical functions of the body. These disorders include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver cirrhosis, hepatic failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Drugs related hepatotoxicity is one of the major challenges facing by clinicians as it is a leading cause of liver failure. During post-marketing surveillance studies, detection and reporting of drug-induced hepatotoxicity may lead to drug withdrawal or warnings. Several mechanisms are involved in hepatotoxicity such as cell membrane disruption, initiating an immune response, alteration of cellular pathways of drug metabolism, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and cell death. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric and exhibits therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and various types of cancers. Curcumin is strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and thus it possesses hepatoprotective properties. Despite its low bioavailability, its hepatoprotective effects have been studied in various protocols of hepatotoxicity including acetaminophen, alcohol, lindane, carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄), diethylnitrosamine and heavy metals induced hepatotoxicities. This report reviews the hepatoprotective effects of curcumin with a focus on its mechanistic insights in various hepatotoxic protocols.

Ethanol extract of Curcuma longa rhizome mitigates potassium bromate-induced liver changes in the Wistar rat: Histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical assessments

The effects of Curcuma longa rhizome on hepatic cells, glycogen, connective tissue fibres and filamentous cytoskeleton were evaluated following KBrO₃-induced liver injury in Wistar rats. Thirty-five male rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n=5). Group 1 were normal saline treated rats. Hepatic injury was induced in groups 2 to 7 by oral administration of 100mg/kg KBrO₃ for 2 weeks. Following induction, rats in group 2 were sacrificed while groups 3, 4, 5 were given oral dose of EECLOR at 100, 200, 400mg/kg respectively. Group 6 rats were treated with silymarine while group 7 rats were left untreated. The rats were sacrificed and the liver sections were stained with H&E, Masson trichrome, Gordon and Sweets, PAS, Feulgen reaction, anti-vimentin antibody for demonstration of general histoarchitecture, elastic fibre, collagen fibre; glycogen, nuclear DNA and filamentous cytoskeleton respectively. Groups 2, 3, 7 developed intranuclear vacuolation, plasma coagulation, plamolysis, karyopyknosis, karyorrhexis and karyolysis, hyperchromatism, DNA fading and pleomorphism. Immunohistochemical study revealed near negative immunoreaction for vimentin. These pathological changes were ameliorated in EECLOR-treated groups in a manner comparable to silymarine-treated group. The study concluded that ameliorative effects of EECLOR in KBrO₃-induced liver injury could be due to its vimentin stabilization property.

Therapeutic Potential of Plants and Plant Derived Phytochemicals against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury

Acetaminophen (APAP), which is also known as paracetamol or N-acetyl-p-aminophenol is a safe and potent drug for fever, pain and inflammation when used at its normal therapeutic doses. It is available as over-the-counter drug and used by all the age groups. The overdose results in acute liver failure that often requires liver transplantation. Current clinical therapy for APAP-induced liver toxicity is the administration of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), a sulphydryl compound an approved drug which acts by replenishing cellular glutathione (GSH) stores in the liver. Over the past five decades, several studies indicate that the safety and efficacy of herbal extracts or plant derived compounds that are used either as monotherapy or as an adjunct therapy along with conventional medicines for hepatotoxicity have shown favorable responses. Phytochemicals mitigate necrotic cell death and protect against APAP-induced liver toxicityby restoring cellular antioxidant defense system, limiting oxidative stress and subsequently protecting mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation. Recent experimental evidences indicat that these phytochemicals also regulate differential gene expression to modulate various cellular pathways that are implicated in cellular protection. Therefore, in this review, we highlight the role of the phytochemicals, which are shown to be efficacious in clinically relevant APAP-induced hepatotoxicity experimental models. In this review, we have made comprehensive attempt to delineate the molecular mechanism and the cellular targets that are modulated by the phytochemicals to mediate the cytoprotective effect against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. In this review, we have also defined the challenges and scope of phytochemicals to be developed as drugs to target APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.

Ellagic Acid Suppresses the Oxidative Stress Induced by Dietary-Oxidized Tallow

Dietary tallow was thermally oxidized at 180°C in an open fryer. The oxidized tallow (OT) and unoxidized tallow were characterized for oxidation parameters and fatty acid composition using GC-MS. Tallow samples were fed to rabbits along with 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg/day of ellagic acid (EA) for three weeks. Results revealed that the peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) significantly increased, while radical scavenging activity (RSA) of the tallow decreased significantly with oxidation. GC-MS analysis showed eight fatty acids in the tallow samples, where palmitic acid (48.5-49.7 g/100 g), linoleic acid (18.7-23.7 g/100 g), stearic acid (13.5-15.6 g/100 g), and margaric acid (6.32-6.42 g/100 g) were the major fatty acids. Animal studies showed that oxidized tallow (OT) alone or in combination with EA significantly altered the body weight of the rabbits. Serum biochemical parameters and renal function tests were affected by OT and ameliorated by EA. The toxic effects of OT on haematological indices were minimized by EA. The supplementation of OT alone had significant effects on the liver structure and functions. The coadministration of EA reduced the toxic properties of OT on the liver, by increasing the antioxidant (GSH) system. The rabbit heart was also affected by the OT, which was ameliorated by EA supplementation. These results suggested that the supplementation of EA was beneficial against the OT-induced oxidative stress and may be considered for foods containing oxidized lipids.

Protective effect of carvedilol alone and coadministered with diltiazem and prednisolone on doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats

This study investigated the protective effects of carvedilol alone and coadministered with prednisolone and diltiazem on doxorubicin (DOX) and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU)‐induced toxicity. Each of 2 pools of 70 female rats were randomly allotted into 10 groups of 7 animals each and treated as follows: Group 1: normal saline (10 mL/kg); Group 2: normal saline and DOX (40 mg/kg)/5‐FU (20 mg/kg) alone; Group 3: gallic acid (200 mg/kg) and DOX/5‐FU; Group 4: carvedilol (0.075 mg/kg) and DOX/5‐FU; Group 5: carvedilol (0.15 mg/kg) and DOX/5‐FU; Group 6: carvedilol (0.30 mg/kg) and DOX/5‐FU; Group 7: diltiazem (3.43 mg/kg) and DOX/5‐FU; Group 8: diltiazem (3.43 mg/kg), carvedilol (0.15 mg/kg), and DOX/5‐FU; Group 9: prednisolone (0.57 mg/kg) and DOX/5‐FU; and Group 10: prednisolone (0.57 mg/kg), carvedilol (0.15 mg/kg), and DOX/5‐FU. Treatments were done p.o. for 16/14 days for the DOX/5‐FU models. DOX/5‐FU was administered i.p. to the rats in Groups 2‐10 on day 14/10‐14. On day 17/15 (DOX/5‐FU), blood samples were collected, and liver and kidneys of rats were harvested for antioxidant and histopathological assessments. Carvedilol alone and coadministered with prednisolone significantly (P < .05) decreased alanine aminotransferase level compared with administration of DOX alone. Carvedilol alone and coadministered with diltiazem significantly (P < .05) decreased creatinine level compared with administration of DOX/5‐FU alone. Carvedilol alone and coadministered with diltiazem and prednisolone significantly (P < .05) increased the level of hepatic superoxide dismutase and catalase, and decreased malondialdehyde compared with DOX administration alone. Histopathological observations correlated with results of biochemical and antioxidant analyses. Carvedilol administered alone and coadministered with diltiazem and prednisolone reduced the effect of DOX/5‐FU‐induced hepatic and renal toxicities due to enhanced in vivo antioxidant activity. The protective effect was more prominent in the doxorubicin model compared with the 5‐fluorouracil test. Coadministration of carvedilol with either diltiazem or prednisolone did not show better protection relative to carvedilol alone.

Adipocytokine Regulation and Antiangiogenic Activity Underlie the Molecular Mechanisms of Therapeutic Effects of Phyllanthus niruri against Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The growth of adipose tissues is considered angiogenesis-dependent during non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We have recently reported that our standardized 50% methanolic extract (ME) of Phyllanthus niruri (50% ME of P. niruri) has alleviated NAFLD in Sprague⁻Dawley rats. This study aimed to assess the molecular mechanisms of action, and to further evaluate the antiangiogenic effect of this extract. NAFLD was induced by eight weeks of high-fat diet, and treatment was applied for four weeks. Antiangiogenic activity was assessed by aortic ring assay and by in vitro tests. Our findings demonstrated that the therapeutic effects of 50% ME among NAFLD rats, were associated with a significant increase in serum adiponectin, reduction in the serum levels of RBP4, vaspin, progranulin, TNF-α, IL-6, and significant downregulation of the hepatic gene expression of PPARγ, SLC10A2, and Collα1. Concomitantly, 50% ME of P. niruri has exhibited a potent antiangiogenic activity on ring assay, cell migration, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tube formation, without any cytotoxic effect. Together, our findings revealed that the protective effects of P. niruri against NAFLD might be attributed to its antiangiogenic effect, as well as to the regulation of adipocytokines and reducing the expression of adipogenic genes.

Hepatoprotective influence of quercetin and ellagic acid on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Despite all the studies performed to date, therapy choices for liver injuries are very few. Therefore, the search for a new treatment that could safely and effectively block or reverse liver injuries remains a challenge. Quercetin (QR) and ellagic acid (EA) had potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The current study aimed at evaluating the potential hepatoprotective influence of QR and EA against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver toxicity in rats and the underlying mechanism using silymarin as a reference drug. Fifty mature male rats were orally treated daily with EA and QR in separate groups for 45 consecutive days, and then were injected with TAA twice with 24 h intervals in the last 2 days of the experiment. Administration of TAA resulted in marked elevation of liver indices, alteration in oxidative stress parameters, and significant elevation in expression level of fibrosis-related genes (MMP9 and MMP2). Administration of QR and EA significantly attenuated the hepatic toxicity through reduction of liver biomarkers, improving the redox status of the tissue, as well as hampering the expression level of fibrosis-related genes. In this study, QR and EA were proved to attenuate the hepatotoxicity through their antioxidant, metal-chelating capacity, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Escalation of liver malfunctioning: A step toward Herbal Awareness

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

About 2-5% of the world's population is suffering from liver toxicity including Pakistan with the second highest rate of hepatitis prevalence. Liver is a vital body organ which not only performs metabolic activities but also aids in detoxification, storage and digestion of food. Now a day's malnutrition, alcohol consumption and drug addiction are major causes of liver diseases throughout the world. In fact, there is no possible outcome to compensate liver malfunction for long term, and transplantation of liver is the only option left after the irretrievable injury of hepatic function. Subsequently, natural based therapeutic approaches are in the process of scrupulous testing as strong hepatoprotective mediator. In this regard plants are well thought hepatoprotective agents having multiple active components. In this review, based on species' pharmacology and safety we have compiled some plants which show strong hepatoprotective activity, main phytoconstituents with biological activities and few commercially used herbal formulations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnopharmacological information was gathered by an extensive literature survey like WHO monographs on selected herbal medicinal plants (Vol 1-Vol 4); Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy, Mills S and Bone K, Churchill Livingstone, London, UK; Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals, Wichtl M Medpharm Press, Stuttgart 3rd edn; Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica Vols 1 and 2, Chang H-M and But P P-H World Scientific, Singapore; British Herbal Compendium Vol. 2, Bradley P British Herbal Medicine Association, Bournemouth, UK; ESCOP Monographs 2nd edn. Thieme, Stuttgart, Germany; as well as by using electronic databases such as Pubchem, Chemspider, http://www.herbal-ahp.org; http://www.ahpa.org; http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2003/9241546271.pdf; http://www.escop.com, Pubmed, HubMed and Scopus.

RESULTS

Data for more about 29 plants have been accomplished for their bioactive constituent(s), biological activities and medicinal uses. Some of the plants have been identified as strong hepato-modulator. Such knowledge about traditional medicinal plants can be globally applied for safe and evidence based use in pharmacological applications.

CONCLUSION

With the rise in liver risks a meek struggle has been made to draw attention toward herbal therapy. Hepatoprotective constituents of said plants are expressed with chemical structures. However, for certain plants active constituents are not still isolated/purified but overall plant extract was found effective in providing protection against hepatic injury. As a future perspective, there is need to purify plant active constituents for ethnomedical rationale.

UHPLC-MS Metabolome Fingerprinting: The Isolation of Main Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of the Andean Species Tetraglochin ameghinoi (Speg.) Speg

The seriated extracts of petroleum ether (PE-E), dichloromethane (DCM-E) and methanol extracts (MeOH-E) from the aerial parts of the native South American plant Tetraglochin ameghinoi (Rosaceae), were evaluated regarding their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by free radical scavenging methods (DPPH and TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and lipoperoxidation in erythrocytes (LP), while the antibacterial activity was performed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The chemical and biological analyses of this plant are very important since this bush is currently used in traditional medicine as a cholagogue and digestive. The polar MeOH-E showed the highest antioxidant activities (17.70 µg/mL in the DPPH assay, 381.43 ± 22.38 mM TE/g extract in the FRAP assay, 387.76 ± 91.93 mg TE/g extract in the TEAC assay and 93.23 + 6.77% in the LP assay) and it was selected for chromatographic isolation of its components. These components were found to be four acetophenones, including the new phloracetophenone glucoside: 4′,6′,-dihydroxy-2′-O-(6″-acetyl)-β-d-glucopyranosylacetophenone or IUPAC name: (6-(2-acetyl-3,5-dihydroxyphenoxy)-3,4,5-trihydroxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)methyl acetate, whose structure was elucidated by NMR and MS methods. In addition, twenty-six compounds, including five of these acetophenone derivatives, two sugars, six flavonoids, eleven phenolic acids and two triterpenes, were identified based on UHPLC-OT-MS and PDA analysis on the MeOH-E. The results support the medicinal use of the plant.