In-depth hepatoprotective mechanistic study of Phyllanthus niruri: In vitro and in vivo studies and its chemical characterization

Acute and Subchronic Toxicological Study of the Cocktail Extract from Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb, Phyllanthus niruri L. and Morinda citrifolia L

Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb, Phyllanthus niruri L., and Morinda citrifolia L. are Indonesian medicinal herbs used empirically as traditional therapeutics for maintaining health. The cocktail extract of these three plants (CECPM) had been developed and demonstrated immunostimulant activity in rats. This study aimed to evaluate the acute and subchronic toxicity of CECPM in vivo. The acute toxicity assay was conducted by orally administering a range dose of CECPM (313, 625, 1250, 2500, or 5000 mg/kg body weight (bw) on female mice once and then evaluating the toxic symptom every day for 14 days later. The chronic toxicity test was carried out by giving various doses of CECPM (600, 800, and 1000 mg/kg·bw) to female and male rats orally continuously for 90 consecutive days. The signs of toxicities were evaluated at the 90- and 28 days postadministration. The acute oral toxicity assays showed that there was no toxic syndrome and mortality found during the period of the experiment. The lethal dose level (LD50) of CECPM was more than 5000 g/kg, which was categorized as practically non-toxic. Meanwhile, in the sub-chronic toxicity study, some parameters tested at 90 days postadministration and after 28 days of withdrawal, such as the body weight, relative organ weight, food intake, hematological and biochemical blood parameters, and also histopathological examination of five primary tissues (heart, liver, kidney, spleen, and lung) revealed no abnormalities. There was no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for the present study of CECPM 1000 mg/kg·bw of the rat. Therefore, it is concluded that the orally administered CECPM was relatively nontoxic during acute and subchronic toxicology studies.

In vivo hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of Stenocarpus sinuatus leaf extract against ifosfamide-induced toxicity in rats

Ifosfamide (IFOS) is a broad-spectrum chemotherapeutic agent that has been extensively used for breast cancer and other solid tumors. Unfortunately, its use is associated with toxicities of several organs. Stenocarpus sinuatus is an Australian tree belonging to the Proteaceae family. In the current study, the phytochemical constituents of S. sinuatus methanol leaf extract (SSLE) were assessed. In addition, the protective effect of SSLE against IFOS-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity was evaluated. Rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, IFOS (50 mg/kg), IFOS + SSLE (100 mg/kg), IFOS + SSLE (200 mg/kg), IFOS + SSLE (400 mg/kg), and SSLE (400 mg/kg). Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potency of SSLE was assessed using different biochemical parameters. The phytochemical investigation resulted in the isolation of four flavonoid glycosides (kaempferol 3-O-β- d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-α- l-rhamnopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside, isorhamnetin 3-O-β- d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-α- l-rhamnopyranoside, and quercetin 3-O-β- d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-α- l-rhamnopyranoside) and a coumarin (scopoletin). This is the first report on the isolated compounds from the genus Stenocarpus. SSLE showed enhancement of kidney and liver functions and reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation. The histopathology of the investigated organs confirmed the protective effect of SSLE. In conclusion, SSLE is considered as a promising candidate that can be used in defense against the toxic effects of IFOS after further clinical trials.

Antibacterial, antidiabetic, acute toxicity, antioxidant, and nephroproductive competence of extracts of Lannea coromandelica fruit through in-vitro and in-vivo animal model investigation

The anti-dermatophytic (Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes) and nephroprotective activities of methanol and aqueous extracts obtained from Lannea coromandelica fruit were investigated through in-vitro (agar well diffusion method) and in-vivo (animal model) study. The methanol extract showed considerable antibacterial activity against selective bacterial pathogens at increased concentration (15.0 mg mL-1) in the following order P. vulgaris (35.2 ± 1.6 mm) > E. aerogenes (32.1 ± 2.1 mm) > K. pneumoniae (29.3±2 mm) > P. acnes (28.2 ± 2.4 mm) > S. aureus (25.5 ± 2.4 mm) > S. pyogenes (24.3 ± 2.1 mm) than aqueous extract. The MIC values of this methanol and aqueous extract was found as 2.5-7.5 mg mL-1 and 5.0 to 1.0 mg mL-1 respectively. Different treatment sets (A-E) on a rat-based animal model study revealed that the methanol extract has excellent antioxidant and nephroprotective activity, as well as favorable effects on essential biochemical substances involved in active metabolic activities. As demonstrated by histopathological and microscopic examination, the biologically active chemical present in methanol extract had a positive effect on serum markers, enzyme, and non-enzyme-based antioxidant activities, as well as lowering the toxicity caused by EG in the rat (as nephroprotective activity) renal cells.

Effects of one-year supplementation with Phyllanthus niruri on fibrosis score and metabolic markers in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background and purpose

and purpose: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant global health concern with limited pharmacotherapy options. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized extract of Phyllanthus niruri in mild-to-moderate NAFLD.

Materials and methods

This was a 12-month randomized controlled trial, in which adults with a controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score >250 dB/m and a fibrosis score <10 kPa were randomly assigned to receive a standardized P. niruri extract at a dose of 3,000 mg daily (n = 112) or a placebo (n = 114). The primary outcomes were changes in CAP score and liver enzyme levels, while the secondary outcomes were changes in other metabolic parameters. The analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis.

Results

After 12 months, there was no significant difference in the change of CAP score between the intervention and control groups (-15.05 ± 36.76 dB/m vs. -14.74 ± 41.08 dB/m; p = 0.869). There was also no significant difference in the changes of liver enzyme levels between the two groups. However, the intervention group showed a significant reduction in fibrosis score, which was not observed in the control group (-0.64 ± 1.66 kPa versus 0.10 ± 1.61 kPa; p = 0.001). No major adverse events were reported in either group.

Conclusion

This study showed that P. niruri did not significantly reduce CAP score and liver enzyme levels in patients with mild-to-moderate NAFLD. However, a significant improvement in fibrosis score was observed. Further research is needed to determine its clinical benefits at different dosages for NAFLD treatment.

Levels of oxidative stress in patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer: correlation with treatment response

Objective

The intent of this study was to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and treatment response in gastric cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

Blood samples from 108 patients and 108 healthy subjects were collected, and all patients were enrolled in SOX chemotherapy. The patients received four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Blood samples were collected to determine oxidative stress levels at baseline prior to beginning chemotherapy, and at the end of cycles 2 and 4. The patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy were followed up for several months to years. A survival curve was created according to the follow-up information from the patients. In addition, the correlation between oxidative stress level and treatment effect was evaluated and ROC curves were plotted according to the final collected data.

Results

Compared with the normal group, the levels of the antioxidant index decreased while the peroxide index increased in the patients. Conversely, when patients were compared before and after chemotherapy, the antioxidant index increased but the peroxide index decreased. Furthermore, the antioxidant index increased in the response group while the peroxide index decreased in the non-response group.

Conclusion

Patients with an increased antioxidant index after chemotherapy have good treatment responsiveness. These indicators can also be used as predictors to judge the patients' response to chemotherapy.

An insight into the potent medicinal plant Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn

Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn., a globally distributed herb is known for its several therapeutic potentials. P. amarus has a long history of use in the traditional system of medicine for over 2000 years owing to its wide array of secondary metabolites that confer significant medicinal attributes. Research on various aspects including ethnobotany, phytochemistry to bioactivity, or pharmacological studies has been conducted over the past several decades on this potent herb. P. amarus extracts have shown a broad range of pharmacological activities like hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimalarial, nephroprotective, diuretic, and several other properties. The present review compiles and covers literature and research of several groups across past decades to date and focuses on how the therapeutic significance of this plant can be further explored for future research either as herbal formulations, alternative medicine, or in the pharmaceutical industry.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13237-022-00409-z.

Hepatoprotective Native Plants Documented in Brazilian Traditional Medicine Literature: Current Knowledge and Prospects

The native flora of Brazil covers a large biodiversity of plants, some of which have important pharmacological properties. Ethnobotanical studies have established that the folk use of plants for hepatobiliary disorders is very common in Brazil. This review aimed to compile, describe and discuss the main native Brazilian medicinal plants used as hepatoprotective agents listed on 25 books by authors from various regions in the country. Based on the 153 species found, a comprehensive analysis of the most relevant scientific studies is presented, including Piper umbellatum, Echinodorus macrophyllus, Fevillea trilobata and Achyrocline satureioides. Some medicinal plants share both a large number of citations and scientific evidence to corroborate their hepatoprotective effects, including Solanum paniculatum, Baccharis crispa and Phyllanthus niruri, which could be of interest to develop new phytomedicines. Additionally, some active ingredients are indicated as being responsible for the liver protective effects described, particularly phenolic compounds (flavonoids, coumestans and lignans).

The activity of Meniran (Phyllanthus niruri Linn.) extract on Salmonella pullorum infected broilers

Background and Aim: Pullorum is an acute and chronic disease caused by Salmonella pullorum, often infecting chicken farms. Pullorum disease treatment using antibiotics that do not follow the control dose can cause bacteria to become antibiotic-resistant. Meniran contributes to inhibiting and antagonizing bacteria and can increase the efficiency of chicken feed because of its bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. This study aimed to determine the activity of Meniran extract (Phyllanthus niruri Linn.) in broilers infected with S. pullorum. Materials and Methods: In vitro study that was conducted includes phytochemical test, diffusion, and dilution methods using Meniran extract at 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40% concentrations and tylosin at 2% concentration. The data of the dilution method (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC]) were processed using probit analysis to determine LC50. In vivo study was conducted by randomly dividing 20 broilers into five treatment groups, four per group. The chickens (except in group P0–) were infected with S. pullorum aged 14 days. Then, the treatment was conducted according to the divided groups when the chickens were aged 21-34 days. The said treatments are P0– (uninfected S. pullorum and unadministered with Meniran extract), P0+ (infected with S. pullorum and unadministered with Meniran extract), and P1, P2, and P3 (infected with S. pullorum and administered with Meniran extract with 5%, 10%, and 20% concentrations, respectively). Data from the phytochemical test were analyzed as descriptive. The data from the diffusion method were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's test. Then, the results of broilers' performance were analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan's test. Results: The phytochemical test showed positive for alkaloid, tannin, saponin, flavonoid, and steroid/triterpenoid. The diffusion method formed the largest zone at 40% concentration with 15.6 mm, while 20%, 10%, and 5% had average of 13.15 mm, 8.38 mm, and 5.8 mm, respectively. The dilution method (MIC and MBC) exhibited the antibacterial ability of Meniran extract against S. pullorum at 20% dose and LC50 14.118% concentration. The Meniran extract administration in broilers exhibited improved performance of chickens infected with S. pullorum, with the administration of 20% dose of Meniran extract showing the best result. Conclusion: About 20% concentration Meniran extract can serve as an antibacterial agent and showed the best results in broilers infected with S. pullorum.

Hepatoprotective effect of Physalis divaricata in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity: In vitro, in silico and in vivo analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Physalis divaricata D. Don. is an erect weed of family Solanaceae. The root extract of this plant is used by the indigenous communities of Sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India for the treatment of liver disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate hepatoprotective potential of P. divaricata in paracetamol (PCM) induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The dried roots of P. divaricata were subjected to extraction using different solvents. The chloroform extract, methanol extract and bioactive aqueous fraction of methanol extract were evaluated for hepatoprotective effect. After initial in vitro screening, all extracts were screened for hepatoprotective potential in PCM (3 g/kg p.o) induced hepatotoxicity. Following PCM administration, extracts were administered orally for 7 days in increasing dose concentrations. All the animals were euthanized on eighth day, serum and liver tissues were collected and subjected to various biochemical and histopathological analysis. Aqueous fraction of methanol extract was further analyzed using LC- MS analysis.

RESULTS

Methanol extract and its bioactive aqueous fraction exhibited significant and better in vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative activity as compared to chloroform extract. PCM treatment caused hepatotoxicity as assessed by altered levels of various hepatic biomarkers (increase in the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, TBARS, and AOPPs as well as decrease in GSH and TrxR levels) along with histopathological changes (portal to portal bridging, necrosis, and inflammation). Methanolic extract (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) and its aqueous fraction treatment (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly restored elevated hepatic biomarkers, oxidative stress, and protected normal hepato-architecture. LC-MS analysis of aqueous fraction showed presence of rutin and kaempferol. In silico analysis further showed the capability of rutin to make complex with TNF-α and block its interaction with the target site.

CONCLUSION

Aqueous fraction showed maximum hepatoprotective potential as conceived through in vitro and in vivo studies. Presence of rutin may explain hepatoprotective potential of P. divaricata.

Telmisartan relieves liver fibrosis and portal hypertension by improving vascular remodeling and sinusoidal dysfunction

BACKGROUNDS

Telmisartan(TEL) has demonstrated anti-fibrotic and blood pressure lowering effect in various diseases. In this study, we aimed to explore the beneficial effects of TEL on portal hypertension(PHT).

METHODS

Two models of cirrhosis-induced PHT were involved including carbon tetrachloride injection(CCl4) and bile duct ligation(BDL). Rats were orally gavaged with TEL for 4 weeks. After that, the portal pressure(PP) was determined, and liver and mesenteric tissue specimens were collected to evaluate inflammatory response, liver fibrosis, vascular remodeling, angiogenesis, etc. RESULTS: In CCl4 PHT models, TEL decreased PP significantly from 12.79 ± 2.92 to 6.91 ± 1.19 mmHg(p < 0.05). In inflammatory response, hepatic expressions of interleukin(IL)-6, lipopolysaccharide(LPS), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were significantly decreased after TEL treatment. Moreover, in the liver fibrotic area, the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), collagen1a1(Col1a1), desmin, transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), and hydroxyproline, and serum hyaluronic acid were significantly decreased after TEL treatment. Additionally, the expressions of von Willebrand factor(vWF), vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor-β(PDGF-β), matrix metallopeptidase(MMP)-2, and MMP-9 were ameliorated in liver sinusoid, while the expressions of MMP-2 and vWF were reduced in mesenteric arteries after TEL treatment. Meanwhile, TEL treatment up-regulated the hepatic expressions of an anti-fibrotic factor Krüppel-like factor-4(KLF-4) and its downstream endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS) in rats with PHT. The performance of TEL in BDL model was similar but slightly weaker.

CONCLUSIONS

TEL ameliorated the cirrhosis-induced PHT by reducing liver fibrosis, inflammation responses, angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling. Collectively, KLF-4 and eNOS were the possible molecular targets for the management of cirrhosis-associated PHT.

Medicinal plants with hepatoprotective potentials against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity: a review

Background

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a well-characterized hepatotoxic agent. With rising cases of liver diseases, the identification, assessment, and development of hepatoprotective agents from plants source has become imperative.

Main body

With arrays of literature on plants with hepatoprotective potentials, this review sourced published literatures between 1998 and 2020 and systematically highlighted about 92 medicinal plants that have been reported to protect against CCl4-induced liver injury in animal models. The results show that herbal plants provide protection for the liver against CCl4 by downregulation of the liver marker enzymes and activation of antioxidant capacity of the liver cells with the restoration of liver architecture. We also provided the traditional and accompanying pharmacological uses of the plants. A variety of phytochemicals mostly flavonoids and polyphenols compounds were suggested to offer protection against liver injuries.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that there are a variety of phytochemicals in plant products with hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-induced toxicity in animal models.

In-depth hepatoprotective mechanistic study of Echinacea purpurea flowers: In vitro and in vivo studies

Introduction: Echinacea purpurea is a flowering plant commonly used as an herbal medicine despite insufficient scientific bases to validate its usage. The present study aimed to examine in vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective effects of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of E. purpurea flowers. Methods: In vitro protection against hepato-cytotoxicity was carried out on human HepG-2 cells using colorimetric tetrazolium (MTT) assay, while the in vivo hepatoprotective activity was studied against carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4) induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. Results: The results revealed that the extracts of E. purpurea induced discernable in vitro protection on HepG-2 cells and in vivo against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. Both extracts were significantly able to restore the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, total protein, and albumin to normal levels compared to the CCl4 intoxicated group. In addition, the extracts markedly mitigated the oxidative stress by decreasing Malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) markers compared to the CCl4 intoxicated group. It was also associated with the down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in liver tissues. Histopathological examination revealed a decrease in hepatocytes’ degenerative changes and noticeable improvement of the liver damage by extracts of E. purpurea. Conclusion: These findings have proven that aqueous and alcoholic extracts of E. purpurea flowers have a significant hepatoprotective effect, probably owing to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities, and regulating apoptotic-related genes. This confirms the ethnomedicinal uses of E. purpurea in patients suffering from liver diseases.

Herbal and dietary supplement induced liver injury: Highlights from the recent literature

Herbal-induced liver injury (HILI) is an important and increasingly concerning cause of liver toxicity, and this study presents recent updates to the literature. An extensive literature review was conducted encompassing September 2019 through March 2021. Studies with clinically significant findings were analyzed and included in this review. We emphasized those studies that provided a causality assessment methodology, such as Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method scores. Our review includes reports of individual herbals, including Garcinia cambogia, green tea extract, kratom as well as classes such as performance enhancing supplements, Traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and herbal contamination. Newly described herbals include ashwagandha, boldo, skyfruit, and 'Thermo gun'. Several studies discussing data from national registries, including the United States Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI) Network, Spanish DILI Registry, and Latin American DILI Network were incorporated. There has also been a continued interest in hepatoprotection, with promising use of herbals to counter hepatotoxicity from anti-tubercular medications. We also elucidated the current legal conversation surrounding use of herbals by presenting updates from the Federal Drug Administration. The highlights of the literature over the past year indicate interest in HILI that will continue as the supplement industry in the United States grows.

Triacontanol attenuates drought-induced oxidative stress in Brassica juncea L. by regulating lignification genes, calcium metabolism and the antioxidant system

Effect of triacontanol on drought-induced stress was studied in Brassica juncea L. Foliage of sixteen-days-old plants was sprayed with concentrations (0, 10, 20 and 30 μM) of triacontanol (TRIA) for 7 days. Subsequently, plants were subjected to drought stress (10% polyethylene glycol, PEG6000) for 7 days. Drought stress increased oxidative stress (TBARS, O₂^●- and H₂O₂), however, their contents were reduced by TRIA. Total soluble sugars, reduced glutathione, and proline content in stressed plants were increased by TRIA. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner with TRIA. Potassium (K⁺) level declined, while magnesium (Mg²⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺) contents increased. The elevated level of lignin under drought with TRIA was significantly associated with MYB46 and PAL gene expression patterns. Altogether, our results suggest that foliar spray of 20 μM TRIA was more operative in reducing the negative impact of drought stress in B. juncea by regulating the antioxidant system, calcium, and lignification.

Oxidative Stress Level as a Predictor of Anastomotic Leakage after Rectal Surgery

Background

Early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage (AL) after rectal surgery can reduce the adverse effects of AL, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. Currently, there are no accepted indicators or effective scoring systems that can clearly identify patients at risk of anastomotic leakage.

Methods

A prospective study with assessment of the diagnostic accuracy of oxidative stress level (CAT, SOD, MDA) in serum and drain fluid compared to white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and neutrophil percentage (NEUT) in prediction of AL in patients undergoing elective rectal surgery with anastomosis.

Results

Most of the oxidative stress indicators we detected are of considerable significance in the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage. The level of MDA on postoperative day (POD)3 (areas under the curve (AUC): 0.831) and POD5 (AUC: 0.837) in the serum and on POD3 (AUC: 0.845) in the drain fluid showed the same excellent diagnostic accuracy as the level of CRP on the POD3 (AUC: 0.847) and POD5 (AUC: 0.896).

Conclusions

The overall level of oxidative stress in serum and drain fluid is a reliable indicator for the early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage after rectal surgery. More specifically, among the redox indicators analyzed, MDA has almost the same predictive value as CRP, which provides another useful biomarker for the early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage.

Bioprospecting of endophytes in medicinal plants of Thar Desert: An attractive resource for biopharmaceuticals

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Endophytes act as chemical synthesizers of the secondary metabolites of the host plant.

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Endophytic microflora has been isolated from a wide array of plants.

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It can serve as a good alternative source for pharmaceutically important compounds.

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The arid ecosystem of Thar Desert is a rich repository of ethnomedicinal plants.

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Role of endophytes in the synthesis of bioactive molecules used to enhance production.

Endophytes live asymptomatically within the healthy tissues of plant parts of the host, has grabbed the attention of ecologists, chemists, and researchers to have a broad spectral of biotechnological potential. It has been proven that almost all plants harbor endophytes within themselves. Numerous studies indicated that endophytes act as chemical synthesizers of the secondary metabolites of their host plant. Various medicinal plants of the Thar Desert have been used by the local folks of the Rajasthan to treat several diseases ailments for time immemorial. On the basis of their prior knowledge of ethnopharmacological usage of medicinally important plants of Thar Desert, several researchers directed their studies in search of endophytic microflora of such medicinally important plants for the discovery of novel bioactive molecules of pharmaceutical importance, for instance, taxol producing endophytic fungus Phoma sp. isolated from Calotropis gigantea as well as Aspergillus fumigatus, an endophytic fungus reported from Moringa oleifera demonstrated an effective antibiofilm, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activity. This review sheds light on the endophytic microflora of the ethnomedicinal plants of the Thar Desert and their biopotential as a promising source of pharmaceutically important naturally derived compounds.

Immunomodulatory effect of Noni fruit and its isolates: insights into cell-mediated immune response and inhibition of LPS-induced THP-1 macrophage inflammation

Morinda citrifolia L. is a plant of the family Rubiaceae and is known as Indian mulberry or Noni in India. It is a perennial herb native to Southeast Asia and has been used over the years as a food supplement and medicinal plant. Noni fruits are reported to possess anticancer, fungicidal, antiviral and antiarthritic effects. The objective of our study is the screening of the immunomodulatory activity of the total extract, fractions, and isolated compounds of Noni fruits to identify their bioactive compounds. To achieve our goal, an ethanol extract (EE) was prepared from Noni fruits. Fractionation and purification of the EE were accomplished. The cell-mediated immune (CMI) response in prednisolone-induced immunosuppression rats was evaluated. The toxicity of the EE, fractions and isolated compounds on the differentiated THP-1 macrophage was assessed using the MTT viability assay. Moreover, the inflammation-related immune responses in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced THP-1 macrophage activation were evaluated. Fractionation of the EE gave three fractions, dichloromethane (DCMF), water (WF) and methanol (MF). Purification of DCMF yielded stigmast-7-ene-3-ol (M1), 28-hydroxy-3β-acetoxy-9-dehydrogramisterol (M2), 3β-acetoxy-taraxast-20(30)-ene-21-ol (M3), 22-dehydroclerosterol (M4) and 22-dehydroclerosterol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (M5), while purification of MF yielded quercetin (M6), hesperidin (M7), naringin (M9) and gallic acid (M8). The results revealed that DCMF elicited an increase in paw edema to the extent of 35.8%. All the tested samples had no cytotoxic effect on THP-1 macrophages. Co-treatment of the LPS-induced macrophages with DCMF, M2, M3, and M6 decreased the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6/IL-10. The expression of iNOS, COX-2, and NF-κB decreased to 0.14 ± 0.02, 0.15 ± 0.02, and 0.17 ± 0.03, respectively, after co-treatment with LPS and DCMF. M2 attenuated the expression of iNOS and NF-κB to 0.18 ± 0.03 and 0.17 ± 0.03, respectively. Additionally, M3 attenuated the expression of iNOS to 0.18 ± 0.03, and after co-treatment with M6 and LPS, the expression of COX-2 and NF-κB was down-regulated to 0.2 ± 0.03. Our study proves the immunomodulatory effect of Noni fruits and specifies for the first time the compounds responsible for their activity.

New pentacyclic triterpenoids isolated from Leptopus chinensis and their hepatoprotective activities on tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative injury

Eight unknown pentacyclic triterpenoids (1-4 and 8-11), along with eight known analogues (5-7 and 12-16) have been first isolated from the dried whole plant of Leptopus chinensis. The structures of the new compounds were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, as well as HRESIMS measurements. Meanwhile, the hepatoprotective activities of the isolated compounds were preliminarily evaluated, and the results indicated that compounds 2, 5 and 16 possess potent protective effects on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative injury in vitro, and further study revealed that 16 significantly alleviates t-BHP-induced hepatotoxicity by effectively improving cell viability and decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the cell apoptosis rate in HepG2 cells.

Polyherbal Medicine Divya Sarva-Kalp-Kwath Ameliorates Persistent Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Biochemical and Pathological Liver Impairments in Wistar Rats and in HepG2 Cells

Divya Sarva-Kalp-Kwath (SKK) is a poly-herbal ayurvedic medicine formulated using plant extracts of Boerhavia diffusa L. (Nyctaginaceae), Phyllanthus niruri L. (Euphorbiaceae), and Solanum nigrum L. (Solanaceae), described to improve liver function and general health. In the present study, we have explored the hepatoprotective effects of SKK in ameliorating carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced liver toxicity using in-vitro and in-vivo test systems. Chemical analysis of SKK using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS-QToF) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) revealed the presence of different bioactive plant metabolites, known to impart hepatoprotective effects. In human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells, co-treatment of SKK with CCl₄ effectively reduced the hepatotoxicity induced by the latter. These effects were confirmed by studying parameters such as loss of cell viability; release of hepatic injury enzymatic biomarkers- aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP); and changes in reactive oxygen species and in mitochondrial membrane potentials. In-vivo safety analysis in Wistar rats showed no loss in animal body weight, or change in feeding habits after repeated oral dosing of SKK up to 1,000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Also, no injury-related histopathological changes were observed in the animal's blood, liver, kidney, heart, brain, and lung. Pharmacologically, SKK played a significant role in modulating CCl₄ induced hepatic injuries in the Wistar rats at a higher dose. In the 9 weeks' study, SKK (200 mg/kg) reduced the CCl₄ stimulated increase in the release of enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), bilirubin, total cholesterol, and uric acid levels in the Wistar rats. It also reduced the CCl₄ stimulated inflammatory lesions such as liver fibrosis, lymphocytic infiltration, and hyper-plasticity. In conclusion, SKK showed pharmacological effects in improving the CCl₄ stimulated liver injuries in HepG2 cells and in Wistar rats. Furthermore, no adverse effects were observed up to 10× higher human equivalent dose of SKK during 28-days repeated dose exposure in Wistar rats. Based on the literature search on the identified plant metabolites, SKK was found to act in multiple ways to ameliorate CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity. Therefore, polyherbal SKK medicine has shown remarkable potentials as a possible alternative therapeutics for reducing liver toxicity induced by drugs, and other toxins.