Mechanisms of Hepatoprotection ofTerminalia catappaL. Extract on D-Galactosamine-Induced Liver Damage

Evaluation of Brown Micro-Algae Synergies With Low Dose γ-Radiation Against Chronic Hepatitis Induced by D-Galactosamine in Rats

Introduction

Hepatic inflammation is considered key driver of hepatic tissue impairment.We aimed to explore the interaction of Halamphora coffeaeformis (Amph.) with low dose ionizing γ radiation (γR) exposure against D-galactosamine (D-GaIN)-induced chronic hepatitis in Albino rats.

Methods

Chronic hepatitis was induced with single dose of D-GalN (400 mg/kg BW i.p.). Rats received 400 mg Amph/kg BW daily by gastric gavage concomitant with .25 Gy γ-R. Liver oxidative stress and inflammatory status were assessed. Gene expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB) were estimated by q-PCR. D-Galactosamine injection significantly encouraged hepatic oxidative damage and inflammatory disturbance accompanied with improved intercellular adhesion molecule-1 level (ICAM-1).

Results

messenger RNA gene expression levels of STAT3 and NF-kB were expressively higher in D-GaIN-treated animals. Histopathological examination supported results. Interestingly, Amph treatment with γ-radiation (γ-R) subjection displayed significant improvement of oxidative and inflammatory status along with controlled signaling molecular factors which was supported by amended histological structure of induced liver hepatitis.

Conclusion

Results conclude the efficacious control of liver hepatitis progression by dual collaboration of Amph. with low dose γ-R via control of vital growth signaling factors linked with inflammation thru anti-inflammation, antioxidative and anti-proliferative activities.

Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Capacity of Mallotus repandus Ethyl Acetate Stem Extract against d-Galactosamine-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Mallotus repandus (M. repandus) is traditionally used to treat muscle pain, itching, fever, rheumatic arthritis, and a variety of liver disorders. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity and the antioxidant potential of the ethyl acetate stem extract of M. repandus (ESMR) against d-galactosamine (d-GalN)-induced hepatopathy, along with a possible mechanism of action in rats. In vivo hepatoprotective activity of ESMR was examined using d-galactosamine (d-GalN)-induced hepatotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats. For this purpose, levels of serum diagnostic markers, activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes, and liver histo-architecture were employed to assess the protective efficacy of ESMR. Furthermore, the total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents were quantitated, and the antioxidant capacity of the extract was evaluated using different methods such as 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radical (OH•) scavenging assays. Intraperitoneal d-GalN injection triggered hepatotoxicity, as shown by the noticeable increase in the serum hepatic marker enzymes, bilirubin content, γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), and malondialdehyde (MDA), whereas glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels were significantly lower compared with that of the control. Pretreatment with ESMR reduced the hepatic enzyme levels along with bilirubin, GGT, and MDA compared to the d-GalN-intoxicated group. These results were supported by histopathological studies, where d-galactosamine caused coagulative necrosis, hemorrhage, and inflammation. However, pretreatment with ESMR ameliorated the histo-architectural changes and brought them back to normal. Results also revealed that the total polyphenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content, and total antioxidant capacity of ESMR were 136.30 ± 0.78 mg GAE/g mg, 38.72 ± 0.85 mg QE/g, 75.88 ± 0.54 mg TAE/g, and 123.16 ± 0.24 mg AAE/g, respectively. In addition, ESMR inhibited free radicals with IC50 values of 94.47 ± 0.51, 127.33 ± 0.36, 164.12 ± 0.45, and 254.14 ± 0.35 μg/mL in DPPH, NO, H2O2, and OH• free radical scavenging assays, respectively. These findings highlight the protective role of ESMR against hepatic injury induced by d-GalN, which may be attributed to its higher antioxidant properties, thereby scientifically justifying its traditional use.

The Potential of Chinese Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a global health issue and places a considerable economic and medical burden on society. Thus, a concerted effort to improve the treatment of cervical cancer is warranted. Although several treatment options are currently available for treating patients with cervical cancer, such as chemoradiation and neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, more aggressive systemic therapies and newer therapeutic agents are under investigation. Medicinal herbs have long been used to treat diseases. In this review, we summarize studies analyzing the antitumor effects and underlying mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicines, including the effects of crude extracts and compounds in vitro or in animal models for inducing apoptosis and inhibiting invasion or metastasis. Chinese herbal medicines with therapeutic targeting, such as those that interfere with tumor growth and progression in cervical cancer, have been widely investigated. To apply Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of cervical cancer, adequate clinical studies are required to confirm its clinical safety and efficiency. Further investigations focused on the purification, pharmacokinetics, and identification of compounds from Chinese herbal medicines in cervical cancer treatment are necessary to achieve the aforementioned treatment goals.

Role of Human Wharton's Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSCs) for Rescue of d-Galactosamine Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

BACKGROUND/AIM

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent precursor cells having self-renewal ability making them a candidate for use in regenerative medicine. Acute liver injury results in sudden loss of hepatic function leading to organ failure. Liver transplantation is often required to salvage patients with acute liver failure. Due to shortage of organs, identification of alternate method is the need of the hour. In view of this, an attempt has been made to check the regenerative ability of WJ-MSCs (wharton's jelly derived MSC) in mice models for acute liver injury.

METHODS

Swiss albino mice weighing 25 ± 5 g were used in this study. The control mice (Group I), was given saline. Group II mice received d-Galactosamine (d-GalN-800 mg/kg; i.p). Group III mice similar with Group II, received WJ-MSCs (5 × 105 cells/0.5 ml DMEM) through tail vein, 24 h after d-GalN administration and Group IV mice received MSC alone.

RESULTS

Parameters, indicative of hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress were analyzed. A two-fold elevation in the marker enzymes of liver toxicity such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (SAP), and total serum bilirubin (TBIL) confirms hepatocellular injury, while a greater than four-fold increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, along with around 40% fall in superoxide-dis-mutase (SOD) activity was indicative of oxidative stress and loss of hepatocellular membrane integrity induced by d-GalN. The above biochemical and pathological changes were significantly restored in mice that received WJ-MSCs indicating hepatoprotective and probable regenerative property.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that WJ-MSC treatment is able to rescue/ameliorate the hepatotoxicity induced by d-GalN in mice.

Asiatic Acid Exhibits Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities against Lipopolysaccharide and d-Galactosamine-Induced Fulminant Hepatic Failure

Inflammation and oxidative stress are essential for the pathogenesis of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Asiatic acid (AA), which is a pentacyclic triterpene that widely occurs in various vegetables and fruits, has been reported to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of AA against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and d-galactosamine (GalN)-induced FHF and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our findings suggested that AA treatment effectively protected against LPS/d-GalN-induced FHF by lessening the lethality; decreasing the alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α production, malondialdehyde formation, myeloperoxidase level and reactive oxygen species generation (i.e., H₂O₂, NO, and O2−), and increasing the glutathione and superoxide dismutase contents. Moreover, AA treatment significantly inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway activation via the partial induction of programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) protein expressions, which are involved in inflammatory responses. Furthermore, AA treatment dramatically induced the expression of the glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit, the glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, heme oxygenase-1, and NAD (P) H: quinoneoxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), which are largely dependent on activation of the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) through the induction of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) phosphorylation. Accordingly, AA exhibited protective roles against LPS/d-GalN-induced FHF by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. The underlying mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB activation via the partial induction of PDCD4 and upregulation of Nrf2 in an AMPK/GSK3β pathway activation-dependent manner.

The protective effects of Shikonin on lipopolysaccharide/d-galactosamine-induced acute liver injury via inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB and activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways

Shikonin (SHK) has various biological and pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antibacterial and anti-inflammation activities.

Proposed mechanisms of Terminalia catappa in hyperglycaemia and associated diabetic complications

Objectives

Terminalia catappa has shown potent antidiabetic activity in the past; however, the exact molecular mechanisms by which it acts have not been elucidated. This review aims at exploring several hypotheses which have been proposed to explain its mechanism of action, including reduction in oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, lipid profile correction and direct hypoglycaemic actions.

Methods

A thorough review of all the articles, research as well as reviews, available regarding the concerned topic was performed. MEDLINE databases were searched using keywords (and their combinations), such as T. catappa, renin oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, diabetic retinopathy, α-glucosidase and α-amylase, among several others. English-language articles were preferably selected.

Key findings

Apart from metabolic dysfunctions, several hyperglycaemia-induced pathological conditions come into scene as the after-effects of diabetes. These mainly include inflammation, oxidative stress, angiogenesis and lipid profile alteration, which ultimately result in vascular endothelial dysfunction, hepatic steatosis, lipid peroxidation and apoptosis of endothelial, hepatic and neuronal cells. Terminalia catappa effectively attenuates the progression of diabetic retinopathy and shows significant hypoglycaemic actions. The mechanisms behind these effects were explained.

Conclusion

Terminalia catappa may provide an effective natural product to treat hyperglycaemia and prevent subsequent diabetic complications.

Hepatoprotective activity of Lepidium sativum seeds against D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide induced hepatotoxicity in animal model

BACKGROUND

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is clinical syndrome with very poor prognosis and high mortality there is urgent need for the development of safe and non-toxic hepatoprotective agents for the adequate management of hepatitis. Hepatoprotective effect of the Lepidium sativum ethanolic extract (LSEE) was assessed by D-galactosamine-induced/lipopolysaccharide (400 mg/kg and 30 μg/kg) liver damage model in rats.

METHODS

Hepatoprotective activity of LSEE (150 and 300 mg/kg) and silymarin on D-GalN/LPS induced FHF in rat was assessed using several liver function enzyme parameters. Antioxidant properties as antioxidant stress enzymes were assessed in hepatic Liver as well as mRNA expression of cytokines genes such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 and stress related genes iNOS and HO-1 were determined by RT-PCR. Protein expression of apoptotic genes were evaluated through western blot. MPO and NF-κB DNA-binding activity was analyzed by ELISA. The magnitude of hepatic impairment was investigated through histopathological evaluation.

RESULTS

Marked amelioration of hepatic injuries by attenuation of serum and lipid peroxidation has been observed as comparable with silymarin (25 mg/kg p.o). D-GalN/LPS induced significant decrease in oxidative stress markers protein level, and albumin. LSEE significantly down-regulated the D-GalN/LPS induced pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-6 mRNA expression in dose dependent fashion about 0.47 and 0.26 fold and up-regulates the IL-10 by 1.9 and 2.8 fold, respectively. While encourages hepatoprotective activity by down-regulating mRNA expression of iNOS and HO-1. MPO activity and NF-κB DNA-binding effect significantly increased and was mitigated by LSEE in a dose-dependent style as paralleled with silymarin.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggests that pretreatment of LSEE down regulates the caspase 3 and up-regulates the BCl₂ protein expression. The above findings revealed that Lepidium sativum has significant hepatoprotective activity.

Protective effect of Porphyra yezoensis glycoprotein on D-galactosamine‑induced cytotoxicity in Hepa 1c1c7 cells

The present study aimed to examine the signaling pathways and enzyme activity associated with the protective effect of Porphyra yezoensis glycoprotein (PYGP) on D‑galactosamine (D‑GaIN)‑induced cytotoxicity in Hepa 1c1c7 cells. D‑GaIN is commonly used to induce hepatic injury models in vivo as well as in vitro. PYGP was extracted from Porphyra yezoensis, a red algae distributed along the coasts of Republic of Korea, China and Japan. In the present study, Hepa 1c1c7 cells were pre‑treated with PYGP (20 and 40 µg/ml) for 24 h and then the media was replaced with D‑GaIN (20 mM) and PYGP (20 and 40 µg/ml). The results demonstrated that D‑GaIN induced Hepa 1c1c7 cell death and pretreatment with PYGP was found to attenuate D‑GaIN toxicity. In addition, D‑GaIN decreased the antioxidant activity and increased lipid peroxidation processes; however, pre‑treatment with PYGP reduced the generation of lipid peroxidation products, such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, as well as increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione‑s‑transferase (GST). PYGP was shown to suppress the overexpression of extracellular signal‑regulated kinase, c‑jun N‑terminal kinase and p38 mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation induced by D‑GaIN. Furthermore, PYGP increased the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2), quinine oxidoreductase 1, GST and heme oxygenase 1 protein expression. These results suggested that PYGP had cytoprotective effects against D‑GaIN‑induced cell damage, which may be associated with MAPKs and the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

The protective mechanism of schisandrin A in d-galactosamine-induced acute liver injury through activation of autophagy

CONTEXT

The principal bioactive lignan of Schisandra chinensis fructus, commonly used for traditional Chinese medicine, is schisandrin A. Schisandrin A has been widely reported as being very effective for the treatment of liver disease. However, the mechanisms of its protective effects in liver remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the hepatoprotective mechanisms of schisandrin A.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

d-Galactosamine (d-GalN)-induced liver injury in mice was used as a model. Schisandrin A was examined for its protective mechanisms using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting and real-time PCR (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Aspartate amino-transferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in the schisandrin A group were significantly decreased (p < 0.01) compared with those in the d-GalN-treated group. HE results showed that the pathological changes in hepatic tissue seen in the d-GalN-treated were reduced in the schisandrin A/d-GalN-treated group, with the morphological characteristics being close to those of the control (untreated) group. Western blotting results showed that schisandrin A can activate autophagy flux and inhibit progression of apoptosis. The immune function of the schisandrin A-pretreated group was assayed by flow cytometry. It was found that the mechanism may involve activated autophagy flux, inhibited apoptosis, and improved immunity in response to liver damage.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the hepatoprotective mechanisms of schisandrin A may include activation of autophagy flux and inhibition of apoptosis. These results provide pharmacological evidence supporting its future clinical application.

A validated high-performance liquid chromatography method for determination of tannin-related marker constituents gallic acid, corilagin, chebulagic acid, ellagic acid and chebulinic Acid in four Terminalia species from India

A validated rapid HPLC-PDA method was developed for identification and quantification of five tannin-related constituents gallic acid (GA), corilagin (CL), chebulagic acid (CB), ellagic acid (EA) and chebulinic acid (CN) in the extracts prepared from the bark and fruits of four Terminalia species available in India. The separation of the five analytes was achieved on an RP-18 column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 µm) at 25°C using a solvent mixture comprising of acetonitrile and (0.05%) trifluoroacetic acid-water in a gradient elution mode. Limit of detection was 1.0, 0.5, 1.0, 0.5 and 1.0 μg/mL for GA, CL, CB, EA and CN, respectively. Similarly, limit of quantification was 2.5, 1.0, 2.5, 1.0 and 2.5 μg/mL for GA, CL, CB, EA and CN, respectively. Good linearity (r(2) > 0.992) was observed for all the five compounds in wide concentration range. Using the developed HPLC method, the five analytes were identified and quantified in bark and fruit extracts of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia arjuna and Terminalia catappa. This is the first report of identification and quantification of the five tannin-related marker constituents in the bark and fruit extracts of T. chebula, T. bellirica, T. arjuna and T. catappa.

Characterization and Quantification of Compounds in the Hydroalcoholic Extract of the Leaves from Terminalia catappa Linn. (Combretaceae) and Their Mutagenic Activity

Terminalia is a genus of Combretaceous plants widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Thus, the aim of this study was to quantify the majority compounds of the hydroalcoholic extract (7 : 3, v/v) of the leaves from T. catappa by HPLC-PDA, chemically characterize by hyphenated techniques (HPLC-ESI-IT-MSⁿ) and NMR, and evaluate its mutagenic activity by the Salmonella/microsome assay on S. typhimurium strains TA98, TA97a, TA100, and TA102. The quantification of analytes was performed using an external calibration standard. Punicalagin is the most abundant polyphenol found in the leaves. The presence of this compound as a mixture of anomers was confirmed using HPLC-PDA and ¹H and ¹³C NMR. Mutagenic activity was observed in strains TA100 and TA97a. As the extract is a complex mixture of punicalagin, its derivatives, and several other compounds, the observed mutagenicity may be explained in part by possible synergistic interaction between the compounds present in the extract. These studies show that mutagenic activity of T. catappa in the Ames test can only be observed when measured at high concentrations. However, considering the mutagenic effects observed for T. catappa, this plant should be used cautiously for medicinal purposes.

Hepatoprotective effects of mushrooms

The particular characteristics of growth and development of mushrooms in nature result in the accumulation of a variety of secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, terpenes and steroids and essential cell wall components such as polysaccharides, β-glucans and proteins, several of them with biological activities. The present article outlines and discusses the available information about the protective effects of mushroom extracts against liver damage induced by exogenous compounds. Among mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum is indubitably the most widely studied species. In this review, however, emphasis was given to studies using other mushrooms, especially those presenting efforts of attributing hepatoprotective activities to specific chemical components usually present in the mushroom extracts.

Terminalia catappa Exerts Antimetastatic Effects on Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Transcriptional Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 by Modulating NF-κB and AP-1 Activity

High mortality and morbidity rates for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Taiwan primarily result from uncontrolled tumor metastasis. Previous studies have identified that Terminalia catappa leaf extracts (TCE) exert hepatoprotective, antioxidative, antiinflammatory, anticancer, and antimetastatic activities. However, the effects of TCE on HCC and the underlying molecular mechanisms of its activities have yet to be fully elucidated. The present study's findings demonstrate that TCE concentration dependently inhibits human HCC migration/invasion. Zymographic and western blot analyses revealed that TCE inhibited the activities and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Assessment of mRNA levels, using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR, and promoter assays confirmed the inhibitory effects of TCE on MMP-9 expression in HCC cells. The inhibitory effects of TCE on MMP-9 proceeded by upregulating tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), as well as suppressing nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activating protein-1 (AP-1) on the MMP-9 promoter in Huh7 cells. In conclusion, TCE inhibits MMP-9 expression and HCC cell metastasis and, thus, has potential use as a chemopreventive agent. Its inhibitory effects are associated with downregulation of the binding activities of the transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1.

Effect of Lecithin on d-Galactosamine Induced Hepatotoxicity Through Mitochondrial Pathway Involving Bcl-2 and Bax

Twenty four Wistar strain albino rats were used for the investigations. Lecithin 50 and 100 mg/kg b wt was administered for 1 week by oral route. Liver damage was induced by intra peritoneal administration of 400 mg/kg b wt d-galactosamine on the last day. At the end of the study animals were sacrificed and liver enzyme levels, histopathology, mitochondrial integrity, expression of p53, Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA levels were studied. Increases in the liver enzyme levels by d-GalN were significantly inhibited by pretreatment with lecithin. Histopathological observation further confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of lecithin. In addition, the disruption of mitochondrial membrane, up regulation of Bax and down regulation of Bcl-2 mRNA levels in the liver of d-GalN intoxicated rats were effectively prevented by pretreatment with lecithin. The results of the present study validate our conviction that d-GalN causes hepatic damage via mitochondrial pathway involving Bax and Bcl-2.

Influence of sonication on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Terminalia catappa L. leaves

Aim:

This study was designed to evaluate the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts from T. catappa leaves obtained by different intervals of sonication.

Methods:

Three commonly used methods were followed to evaluate phenolic content and four in vitro methods like 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing antioxidant potency (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity assays for measuring the antioxidant activities. Antioxidant values of these assays were expressed in terms of milligrams vitamin C equivalent (VCE) antioxidant activities.

Results:

This study showed that extract obtained with 40 minutes of sonication possessed significant (P < 0.05) polyphenolic contents compared to 20 and 60 minutes sonication and control (24 hour maceration). Moreover, sonication of T. catappa leaf above 40 minutes was found to be unsuitable for extracting out phenolic contents. Even the results of antioxidant assays showed that 40 minutes of the sonicated extract exhibited significant (P < 0.05) VCE values compared to extracts obtained at different intervals of sonication and control.

Conclusions:

In sonication extraction method 40 minutes is an ideal time to obtain extract enriched with high polyphenolic content with good antioxidant activity from T. catappa leaves.

Protective Role of Catechin on d-Galactosamine Induced Hepatotoxicity Through a p53 Dependent Pathway

Objective of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the mechanism responsible for the d-galactosamine (d-GalN) induced hepatotoxicity and to study the effect of catechin against d-GalN induced hepatotoxicity. Catechin 50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt was administered for 1 week by oral route. Liver damage was induced by intra-peritoneal administration of 400 mg/kg b.wt d-galactosamine on the last day of catechin treatment. At the end of treatment all animals were killed and liver enzyme levels were estimated. Dissected hepatic samples were used for histopathology, RNA isolation, expression studies of Bax, Bcl-2 and p53 mRNA levels and mitochondrial membrane potential studies. We found that increases in the liver enzyme activity and decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity by d-GalN were significantly restricted by oral pretreatment with catechin. Disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, up regulation of p53, Bax and down regulation of Bcl-2 mRNA levels in the liver of d-GalN intoxicated rats were effectively prevented by pretreatment with catechin.

Effect of Lecithin and silymarin on D-galactosamine induced toxicity in isolated hepatocytes and rats

To investigate Lecithin for its hepatoprotective activity against D-galactosamine (D-GalN) induced toxicity in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes and animal models. Freshly isolated rat hepatocytes were exposed to Dgalactosamine (30 mM) along with/without lecithin (100 μg/ml) and the levels of selected liver enzymes were measured. Thirty six Wistar strain albino rats were used for the in vivo investigations. Lecithin 50 and 100 mg/kg.b.wt were administered for one week by oral route. Liver damage was induced by intra peritoneal administration of 400 mg/kg b.wt D-galactosamine. The antihepatotoxic effect of lecithin was observed in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes at concentration 100 μg/ml and was found to be similar to that of the standard silymarin used. Its in vivo hepatoprotective effect at 100 mg/kg b.wt was comparable with that of the standard silymarin at 100 mg/kg body weight. Lecithin was able to normalise the biochemical levels which were altered due to D-galactosamine intoxication in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes and also in animal models.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective actions of medicinal herb, Terminalia catappa L. from Okinawa Island and its tannin corilagin

The antioxidant and hepatoprotective actions of Terminalia catappa L. collected from Okinawa Island were evaluated in vitro and in vivo using leaves extract and isolated antioxidants. A water extract of the leaves of T. catappa showed a strong radical scavenging action for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and superoxide (O(2)(.-)) anion. Chebulagic acid and corilagin were isolated as the active components from T. catappa. Both antioxidants showed a strong scavenging action for O(2)(.-) and peroxyl radicals and also inhibited reactive oxygen species production from leukocytes stimulated by phorbol-12-myristate acetate. Galactosamine (GalN, 600 mg/kg, s.c.,) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5 microg/kg, i.p.)-induced hepatotoxicity of rats as seen by an elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities was significantly reduced when the herb extract or corilagin was given intraperitoneally to rats prior to GalN/LPS treatment. Increase of free radical formation and lipid peroxidation in mitochondria caused by GalN/LPS treatment were also decreased by pretreatment with the herb/corilagin. In addition, apoptotic events such as DNA fragmentation and the increase in caspase-3 activity in the liver observed with GalN/LPS treatment were prevented by the pretreatment with the herb/corilagin. These results show that the extract of T. catappa and its antioxidant, corilagin are protective against GalN/LPS-induced liver injury through suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis.