Hepatoprotective Effect of Feeding Celery Leaves Mixed with Chicory Leaves and Barley Grains to Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Different Cichorium Species (Asteraceae): A Review

Cichorium species have been used widely in traditional medicine universally. It is reported as a treatment for various respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as diabetes and rheumatism. A range of constituents including phenolic and poly phenolic compounds, fatty and organic acids and essential oils comprise the chemical composition of Cichorium species. Furthermore, modern investigations on these species has shown different pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-inflammation, antibacterial, anti-hyperglycemic, antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects which are associated with divers molecular pathways and mechanisms. In this chapter, we have summarized comprehensive information regarding traditional and ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical analysis and pharmacological aspects of Cichorium species.

Perspectives of the Apiaceae Hepatoprotective Effects – A Review

The liver has the crucial role in the regulation of various physiological processes and in the excretion of endogenous waste metabolites and xenobiotics. Liver structure impairment can be caused by various factors including microorganisms, autoimmune diseases, chemicals, alcohol and drugs. The plant kingdom is full of liver protective chemicals such as phenols, coumarins, lignans, essential oils, monoterpenes, carotenoids, glycosides, flavonoids, organic acids, lipids, alkaloids and xanthenes. Apiaceae plants are usually used as a vegetable or as a spice, but their other functional properties are also very important. This review highlights the significance of caraway, dill, cumin, aniseed, fennel, coriander, celery, lovage, angelica, parsley and carrot, which are popular vegetables and spices, but possess hepatoprotective potential. These plants can be used for medicinal applications to patients who suffer from liver damage.

Biochemical and haematological assessment of toxic effects of the leaf ethanol extract of Petroselinum crispum (Mill) Nyman ex A.W. Hill (Parsley) in rats

Background

Petroselinum crispum, a bright green biennial shrub is widely used traditionally as a food additive and herbal remedies for many ailments. This study therefore aimed to assess the toxic effects of its leaf extract using some biochemical, haematological parameters.

Methods

The toxic effects were assessed by quantifying liver enzymes such as serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total serum protein and liver weight. Effects on haematological parameters were assessed by analysis of parked cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations. Histopathological studies were done on the liver and kidneys.

Results

The extract caused significant increase in serum activity of alanine amino transferase and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels at the dose of 1000 mg/kg. Other biochemical and haematological parameters were not affected at lower doses. Conversely, the liver weight was not affected after eight weeks of treatment at the dose levels studied. The organs obtained for pathological study, were structurally unchanged under histopathological evaluation at lower doses but inflammatory and necrotic features were observed at doses ≥ 1000 mg/kg.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the leaf ethanol extract of Petroselinum crispum was hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic at continued oral doses equal to or more than 1000 mg/kg, but no obvious toxicity when used at lower doses. Therefore, there should be caution in its administration to avoid overdosing and known interaction with some medications. In addition, the plant should be kept away from pets and domestic animals and should not be cultivated on soil irrigated with waste water due to their ability to bio-accumulate toxic metals.