Assessment of antioxidant traits and protective action of Egyptian acacia pods extracts against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in rats

Natural Products for Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury: A Review

The liver plays a vital role in metabolism, synthesis, and detoxification, but it is susceptible to damage from various factors such as viral infections, drug reactions, excessive alcohol consumption, and autoimmune diseases. This susceptibility is particularly problematic for patients requiring medication, as drug-induced liver injury often leads to underestimation, misdiagnosis, and difficulties in treatment. Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used and safe drug in therapeutic doses but can cause liver toxicity when taken in excessive amounts. This study aimed to investigate the hepatotoxicity of APAP and explore potential treatment strategies using a mouse model of APAP-induced liver injury. The study involved the evaluation of various natural products for their therapeutic potential. The findings revealed that natural products demonstrated promising hepatoprotective effects, potentially alleviating liver damage and improving liver function through various mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammation, which cause changes in signaling pathways. These results underscore the importance of exploring novel treatment options for drug-induced liver injury, suggesting that further research in this area could lead to the development of effective preventive and therapeutic interventions, ultimately benefiting patients with liver injury caused by medicine.

Interleukin-35 and Thymoquinone nanoparticle-based intervention for liver protection against paracetamol-induced liver injury in rats

Paracetamol (PAR) is a commonly used antipyretic and analgesic agent, but its excessive usage can induce liver damage and major health consequences. Interleukin-35 (IL-35) is utilized to treat immunological disorders, intestinal illness, arthritis, allergic disease, hepatitis, and cancer. Thymoquinone (THYO) is also effective against a wide range of disorders. Consequently, this study sought out to explore the ameliorative effects of IL-35 and THYO against PAR-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Sixty male rats were separated into six groups (10 rats/group): I control (0.5 mL NaCl, 0.9%/rat via oral gavage); II (IL-35), and III (TYHO) received intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of IL-35 (200 ng/kg) or THYO (0.5 mg/kg), respectively. Group IV (PAR) received 600 mg/kg of PAR orally; V (PAR + IL-35) and VI (PAR + TYHO); rats received 600 mg/kg of PAR orally and i.p injection of IL-35 (200 ng/kg) or THYO (0.5 mg/kg), respectively. Administration of IL-35 or THYO markedly mitigated the increasing in the levels of liver parameters triggered by PAR and noticeable enhancement of antioxidant and immunological markers were observed. Additionally, IL-35 or THYO decreased TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-10, IL-6 and IFN-γ in contrast to the PAR control group. Moreover, levels of Capase-3, and cytochrome C were significantly reduced by THYO or IL35, while, levels of Bcl-2 were markedly increased. Furthermore, significant downregulation of IL1-β, TNF-α, TGF-β, and Caspas-3 genes, as well as significant upregulation of Bcl-2 and IL-10 expression were detected. In conclusion, IL-35 and THYO insulated liver from PAR toxicity by mitigating oxidative stress, tissue damage, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of Sedum adenotrichum in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits

Sedum adenotrichum (SA) has been traditionally used against various ailments due to the presence of several important phenolic compounds. This study provides a scientific basis for the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potentials of Sedum adenotrichum in paracetamol-induced toxicity in rabbits. Methanolic extract of Sedum adenotrichum along with paracetamol was administered orally to rabbits alone or in combination with paracetamol for 2 weeks. Results showed that paracetamol-induced toxicity was correlated with a significant change in biochemical, hematological parameters, and loss in body weight of rabbits, and the curative effect of SA methanolic extract was found. Liver and kidney histological studies showed significant induced toxicity of paracetamol and correspondence restoration power of SA methanolic extract. The levels of reduced glutathione, radical scavenging activity, and lipid peroxidation in the liver were restored to normal by the methanolic extract of SA. This study confirmed the protective effect of SA methanolic extract against hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity caused by paracetamol. Biochemical analysis of the methanolic extract of SA confirmed the presence of bioactive phenolic compounds which have hepatic and nephroprotective potentials.

Protective Effect of Annona muricata Linn Fruit Pulp Lyophilized Powder against Paracetamol-Induced Redox Imbalance and Hepatotoxicity in Rats

In the current investigation, Annona muricata Linn. lyophilized fruit pulp powder was evaluated for its hepatoprotective activity induced by paracetamol or acetaminophen (APAP). Male Sprague Dawley rats were orally pre-treated for 15 days with A. muricata lyophilized fruit pulp powder at low (1 g/kg b.wt) and high doses (2 g/kg b.wt). Silymarin (100 mg/kg) was administered as the standard drug. Hepatotoxicity was induced using APAP, in a single oral administration of 2.5 g/kg body weight dosage on the 15th day. Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were elevated in the APAP group but were found to be significantly reduced in the pre-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner. APAP administration brought down the serum total protein and albumin levels significantly. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase were reduced in the APAP administration; further, the reduced glutathione pool in the tissue was also diminished significantly. However, with the administration of Annona lyophilized fruit pulp powder, the level of antioxidant parameters was near normal. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation was observed in the APAP group, while the silymarin, AML, and AMH groups exhibited resistance to lipid peroxidation (LPO), as evident from lower levels of LPO generated. Histopathological examination also revealed considerable tissue damage in the APAP alone treatment group, which was not devastating in the silymarin, AML, and AMH groups. Altogether, the study concludes that the lyophilized fruit pulp of A. muricata is protective against APAP-induced liver injury in rats by modulating the hepatic redox systems.

The Ameliorative Role of Acacia senegal Gum against the Oxidative Stress and Genotoxicity Induced by the Radiographic Contrast Medium (Ioxitalamate) in Albino Rats

Arabic gum (Acacia senegal, AG) is proven effective antioxidant and cytoprotective agent. The present study was designed to test this notion by investigating the possible role of AG against the radiographic contrast medium (Ioxitalamate, Telebrix-35^®, TBX)-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity. Albino rats were divided into four groups and supplied with either; distilled water, daily 10% (w/v) AG, an intravenous dose of TBX (1600 mg I/kg b.wt) and co-administration of TBX and AG. Rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected to assess the genotoxicity employing the peripheral blood leucocytes fluorescent double staining; namely the acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining and alkaline comet assay. Further, chromosomal analyses were done in bone marrow cells. Serum urea and creatinine levels, in addition to malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels in kidney tissues were measured. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS-MS) was performed to identify the chemical composition of AG extract. Kidney functions, single/double-stranded DNA damage, chromosomal aberrations, mitotic index, MDA and NO levels were significantly (p < 0.001) increased in TBX-treated group compared to the control and AG-treated one. Meanwhile, CAT and GSH activities were significantly diminished and the AG supplementation significantly (p < 0.001) ameliorated these effects compared with the control and AG-treated groups. Five compounds have been identified using GNPS networking including 7,3′,4′-Trihydroxyisoflavone, Noscapine, Tetrahydropapaveroline, Costunolide, Hesperidin. In conclusion, results of the present study suggest that AG exerted a protective role against TBX-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity which may be attributed to the active metabolites in the gum.

Safely effective hypoglycemic action of stevia and turmeric extracts on diabetic Albino rats

The potentiality of Stevia leaves and turmeric roots as remedies against diabetes mellitus type 2 was tested in this study. Stevia leaves and turmeric roots were extracted with ethanol:water (80:20 v/v) and analyzed by HPLC. Turmeric extract (TUE) was rich in; curcumin, gallic acid, and eugenol. Stevia extract (STE) contained 28 known compounds, including glycosides, aromatic organic acids, and catechin. Fifty rats were divided into five groups (10 rats each); the control group were fed with feed and water ad libitum. Forty rats were injected a single dose of alloxan, then treated with either 10 mg/kg glibenclamide (GLI), 300 mg/kg STE, or 200 mg/kg TUE or water (positive control) through daily gastric oral gavages for 56 days. Treating diabetic rats with TUE significantly reduced serum glucose and glycated hemoglobin down to the negative control levels. Both GLI and STE produced similar but less effective actions. Animals treated with either STE or TUE exhibited reduced levels of liver and kidney markers compared to the negative control, while GLI increased them significantly. It could be concluded that turmeric roots and stevia leaves extracts can be used treatment for type 2 diabetes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Turmeric roots and stevia leaves extracts may be used as a remedy for type 2 diabetic patients as aiding substituting treatments under medical supervision. The two plant sources can be used as raw materials for the extracts, which can be used under medical supervision as a gradual replacement of the synthetic antidiabetic drugs. These extracts can be used after a preliminary clinical study to determine the dose and frequency of administration. Stevia extract can be incorporated in drinks as a sweetener and drug. Turmeric extract has a bitter taste, so it may be incorporated in some foods such as bread, which is a traditional practice in some kinds of bread in Egypt. But its content in the bread and the acceptability of the taste should be adjusted. Alternatively, this food can incorporate both TUE and STE to get the best biological action and to conceal the bitter taste of turmeric.