Hepatoprotection by dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and mechanisms

The protection of the liver as an essential organ in the body against oxidative stress and deleterious compounds has been the subject of recent investigations.Among different compounds,medicinal plants play an important role due to their hepatoprotective effects.Taraxacum officinale or"common dandelion"is a popular plant that has been traditionally used for its hepatoprotective effects.Currently,there are limited clinical studies on its hepatoprotective effects.The aim of this review article is to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of dandelion and its mechanism of action.We reviewed literature up to July 2019 on"Taraxacum officinale"or"dandelion"and hepatoprotection.Currently available pharmacological studies indicate that dandelion extracts have hepatoprotective effects against chemical agents due to its antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities.The anti-inflammatory effects of dandelion,the prebiotic effects of its oligofructans,inhibitory effects against the release of lipopolysaccharides and fasting induced adipose factor,digestive enzymes,and enhancing effects of lipogenesis,reduce lipid accumulation and liver inflammation,which directly or indirectly improve the liver functions.Given emerging evidence on hepatoprotective effects of dandelion,designing large human clinical studies is essential.

Hepatoprotection: A Hallmark of <i>Citrullus colocynthis</i>L. against Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Swiss Albino Rats

Objective: To demonstrate the in-vivo hepatoprotective effect of the ethanolic extracts of Citrullus colocynthis (Linn.) against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Animal Model: Swiss Albino rats of either sex were used, divided into six groups with six in each group. Group 1-Normal control: The animals were maintained under normal control, which were given distilled water only. Group 2-Induction of hepatotoxicity: The animals received paracetamol 500 mg/kg b.w. (p.o) every 72 h for 10 Days. Groups 3 to 5: Animals received ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis L. at 50, 100 & 200 mg/kg bw/day for 7 days (p.o). Group 6: The animals were treated with Silymarin (100 mg/kg p.o) which served as standard. Groups 3 to 6 were intoxicated with paracetamol (500 mg/kg bw) 1 h before the administration of extract or Silymarin for 10 days. Histopathological findings, different hepatic biochemical parameters viz. AST, ALT, ALP, Total bilirubin, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, & the body weight before & after treatment were evaluated to investigate the hepatoprotective activity. Results: Paracetamol induced a significant rise in AST, ALT, ALP, Total Bilirubin, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides. Administration of 200 mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis L. effectively reduced these pathological damages caused by paracetamol intoxication. In addition to serum parameters treatment of 200 mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract of Citrulus colocynthis L. also promotes the body weight in albino rats as shown in Figure 6 respectively. Histopathological changes of the liver samples were compared with the normal control as shown in Figures 2-5 respectively. Conclusion: From our results we may infer that the mode of action of 90% ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis L. (200 mg/kg bw) in affording the in-vivo hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol may be due to the cell membrane stabilization, hepatic cell regeneration & normalizing the serum parameters.

Lignans are the main active components of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus for liver disease treatment:a review

As a traditional Chinese herbal medicine,Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus(SC)has been used in medicine and food industry due to its health care and therapeutic effects.Over the past 20 years,the use of SC and its active ingredient lignans in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases has been increasing,and their hepatoprotective effects has increased the interest of the public and academia.Therefore,in the present work,we first determined the effectiveness of SC in the treatment of liver diseases such as metabolic associated fatty liver disease,alcoholic liver disease,cholestatic liver disease and acute liver injury.Subsequently,the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of lignans,the active components of SC,for liver disease treatment were comprehensively summarized for the first time.The results showed that the lignans in SC could achieve hepatoprotective effects by regulating lipid metabolism,anti-fibrosis,anti-inflammation,anti-oxidation,anti-tumor and regulating bile acid metabolism.The mechanism mainly involved adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase,endoplasmic reticulum stress,sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c,autophagy,transforming growth factor-β,mitogen-activated protein kinase,microRNA,nuclear factor kappa-B,nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2,heat shock proteins and pregnane X receptor signaling pathways.These results can lay a scientific foundation for the development of hepatoprotective drugs or functional foods from SC/lignans.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists:A new hope towards the management of alcoholic liver disease

In this editorial,we examine a paper by Koizumi et al,on the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR)agonists in alcoholic liver disease(ALD).The study determined whether elafibranor protected the intestinal barrier and reduced liver fibrosis in a mouse model of ALD.The study also underlines the role of PPARs in intestinal barrier function and lipid homeostasis,which are both affected by ALD.Effective therapies are necessary for ALD because it is a critical health issue that affects people worldwide.This editorial analyzes the possibility of PPAR agonists as treatments for ALD.As key factors of inflammation and metabolism,PPARs offer multiple methods for managing the complex etiology of ALD.We assess the abilities of PPARα,PPARγ,and PPARβ/δagonists to prevent steatosis,inflammation,and fibrosis due to liver diseases.Recent research carried out in preclinical and clinical settings has shown that PPAR agonists can reduce the severity of liver disease.This editorial discusses the data analyzed and the obstacles,advantages,and mechanisms of action of PPAR agonists for ALD.Further research is needed to understand the efficacy,safety,and mechanisms of PPAR agonists for treating ALD.

Research progress in the study of Clinacanthus nutans and treatment of liver diseases

Background:Based on the long history of medicinal value and modern pharmacological research,a systematic collation of the Clinacanthus nutans has been carried out with a view to providing useful references for the clinical application of the Clinacanthus nutans in hepatoprotection and the research and development of new drugs.Methods:The research progress of a large number of domestic and international studies on the therapeutic mechanism of the antiliver diseases of Clinacanthus nutans and its active ingredients is summarized.The aim is to explore the greater value of the herb.Results:The major chemical constituents with pharmacological activities of the Clinacanthus nutans were summarized,and a feasible mechanism of action was compiled and analyzed.Conclusion:Many studies have confirmed the great medicinal value of Clinacanthus nutans and its active monomer components,especially in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases,which is worthy of more in-depth research,development and utilization.Chinese medicine is the treasure of China,therefore,it should be used in more clinical applications.

A hepatoprotection study of Radix Bupleuri on acetaminophen-induced liver injury based on CYP450 inhibition

We investigated the potential hepatoprotective effect of Radix Bupleuri(RB) by inducing acute liver injury(ALI) in an animal model using acetaminophen(APAP) after pretreatment with RB aqueous extract for three consecutive days. Compared to those of the APAP group, the biochemical and histological results of the RB pretreatment group showed lower serum aspartate transaminase(AST) and alanine transaminase(ALT) levels as well as less liver damage. Pharmacokinetic study of the toxicity related marker acetaminophen-cysteine(APC) revealed a lower exposure level in rats, suggesting that RB alleviated APAP-induced liver damage by preventing glutathione(GSH) depletion. The results of cocktail approach showed significant inhibition of CYP2 E1 and CYP3 A activity. Further investigation revealed the increasing of CYP2 E1 and CYP3 A protein was significantly inhibited in pretreatment group,while no obvious effect on gene expression was found. Therefore, this study clearly demonstrates that RB exhibited significant protective action against APAP-induced acute live injury via pretreatment, and which is partly through inhibiting the increase of activity and translation of cytochrome P450 enzymes, rather than gene transcription.

Cost-effectiveness Assessment of Commonly-used Drugs for Hepatoprotection and Enzymes Reduction Based on Decision Tree and Multi-utility Theory

Objective Drugs for hepatoprotection and enzymes reduction are widely used in China but their economic analysis has been ignored in a rather long period of time. A suitable protocol for hepatoprotection and enzymes reduction was recommended in Longhua Hospital. Methods This study was conducted as a retrospective piece. Three therapeutic protocols （compound glycyrrhizic glycoside combined with aspartic ornithine injection, compound glycyrrhizic glycoside combined with phospha- tidylcholine, and compound glycyrrhizic glycoside combined with tiopronin） were selected. Seventy inpatient cases from January 2011 to February 2012 were enrolled and divided into three groups according to different regimens. The cost effectiveness of the three groups was respectively evaluated by incremental cost-effectiveness ratios （iCERs）. A decision tree model and multi attribution utility theory were also adopted to analyze the data. Results All the three regimens exhibited good effects on protecting liver functions and reducing the levels of enzymes. Among them, the protocol of compound glycyrrhizic glycoside combined with tioproni expressed the least ICER, the lowest cost but the highest score in the multi-utility. Conclusion The therapeutic method of compound glycyrrhizic glycoside combined with tiopronin is the most cost-effective option in this study.

Screening hepatoprotective effective components of Lonicerae japonica Flos based on the spectrum-effect relationship and its mechanism exploring

Lonicerae japonicae Flos(LF)is a kind of healthcare food with hepatoprotective function.This study was designed to explore the spectrum-effect relationships between UPLC fingerprints and the hepatoprotective effects of LF.Fingerprints of ten batches of LF were established by UPLC-PDA.The inhibitory levels of AST and ALT were used as pharmacological indexes,and secoxyloganin,isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C were screened as hepatoprotective active compounds by grey relational analysis(GRA)and partial least squares regression analysis(PLSR).Caspase-3 was obtained by network pharmacology as a key target of hepatoprotective active compounds.Molecular docking is used to explore the interaction between small molecules and proteins.This work provided a general model of the combination of UPLC-PDA and hepatoprotective effect to study the spectrum-effect relationship of LF,which can be used to considerable methods and insight for the fundamental research of the material basis of similar healthcare food.

Magnesium Enhances the Hepatorenal Protective Effects of Lippia multiflora Aqueous Leaves Extract in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of the aqueous extract of Lippia multiflora supplemented with magnesium on some biochemical markers of the kidneys and liver in type 2 diabetic rats. Method: 7 groups of 4 STZ-diabetic rats received separately orally Glucophage® (Glu 10 mg/kg), the plant extract (LiMAE 200 - 600 mg/kg) and the plant extract supplemented with magnesium (LiMAE-Mg 200 - 600 mg/kg). After a daily treatment of 21 days, serum biochemical parameters were assayed in 16 hr-fasted rats. Results: Diabetes caused a significant (p Conclusion: The addition of magnesium to the extract of Lippia multiflora caused a greater reduction in the levels of urea, creatinine, ALT and AST increased in STZ-diabetic rats. Magnesium would therefore enhance the nephroprotective and hepatoprotective effects of Lippia multiflora in diabetic rats.

Review of natural products with hepatoprotective effects

The liver is one of the most important organs in the body,performing a fundamental role in the regulationof diverse processes,among which the metabolism,secretion,storage,and detoxification of endogenous and exogenous substances are prominent.Due to these functions,hepatic diseases continue to be among the main threats to public health,and they remain problems throughout the world.Despite enormous advances in modern medicine,there are no completely effective drugs that stimulate hepatic function,that offer complete protection of the organ,or that help to regenerate hepatic cells.Thus,it is necessary to identify pharmaceutical alternatives for the treatment of liver diseases,with the aim of these alternatives being more effective and less toxic.The use of some plants and the consumption of different fruits have played basic roles in human health care,and diverse scientific investigations have indicated that,in those plants and fruits so identified,their beneficial effects can be attributed to the presence of chemical compounds that are called phytochemicals.The present review had as its objective the collecting of data based on research conducted into some fruits(grapefruit,cranberries,and grapes)and plants[cactus pear(nopal)and cactus pear fruit,chamomile,silymarin,and spirulina],which are consumed frequently by humans and which have demonstrated hepatoprotective capacity,as well as an analysis of a resin(propolis)and some phytochemicals extracted from fruits,plants,yeasts,and algae,which have been evaluated in different models of hepatotoxicity.

Prevention of hepatotoxicity due to anti tuberculosis treatment: A novel integrative approach

AIM： To evaluate the ability of Curcuma Ionga （CL） and Tinospora cordifolia （TC） formulation to prevent anti-tuberculosis （TB） treatment （ATT） induced hepatotoxicity. METHODS： Patients with active TB diagnosis were randomized to a drug control group and a trial group on drugs plus an herbal formulation. Isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol for first 2 mo followed by continuation phase therapy excluding Pyrazinamide for 4 mo comprised the anti-tuberculous treatment. Curcumin enriched （25%） CL and a hydro-ethanolic extract enriched （50%） TC 1 g each divided in two doses comprised the herbal adjuvant. Hemogram, bilirubin and liver enzymes were tested initially and monthly till the end of study to evaluate the result. RESULTS： Incidence and severity of hepatotoxicity was significantly lower in trial group （incidence： 27/192 vs 2/316, P 〈 0.0001）. Mean aspartate transaminase （AST） （195.93 ± 108.74 vs 85 ± 4.24, P 〈 0.0001）, alanine transaminase （ALT） （75.74 ± 26.54 vs 41 ± 1.41, P 〈 0.0001） and serum bilirubin （5.4 ±3.38 vs 1.5 ±0.42, P 〈 0.0001）. A lesser sputum positivity ratio at the end of 4 wk （10/67 vs 4/137, P = 0.0068） and decreased incidence of poorly resolved parenchymal lesion at the end of the treatment （9/152 vs 2/278, P = 0.0037） was observed. Improved patient compliance was indicated by nil drop-out in trial vs 10/192 in control group （P 〈 0.0001）. CONCLUSION： The herbal formulation prevented hepatotoxicity significantly and improved the disease outcome as well as patient compliance without any toxicity or side effects.

In vivo antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extracts of Daucus carota seeds in experimental animals

Objective:To assess the In vivo anlioxid Fanl and hepaloproleclive activity of metlianolic exlracl of Daucus carota(D.carota) seeds in experimental animals.Methods:Methanolic extracts of D.carota seeds is used for hepatoproleclion assessment.Oxidative stress were induced in rats by thioacetamide 100 nig/kg s.c.in four groups of rats(two test,standard and toxic control). Two test groups received D.carota seeds extract[DCSE) at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. Standard group received silymarin(25 mg/kg) and toxic control received only thioacetamide. Control group received only vehicle.On the 8th day animals were sacrificed and liver enzyme like serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase(SGPT),serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase(SCOT) and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)were estimated in blood serum and antioxidant enzyme like superoxide disnuituse(SOD),cululase(CAT),glutathione reductase(CKD),glutathione peroxidase(GPX),glutalhione-S-transferase(GST)and lipid peroxidation(LPO)were estimated in liver homogcnatc.Results:A significant decrease in SGPT,SCOT and ALP levels was observed in all drug treated groups as compared to thioacetamide group(P<0.001) and in case of antioxidant enzyme a significant(P<0.001) increase in SOD.CAT,GRD,GPX and GST was observed in all dmg treated groups as compared with thioacetamide group.But in case of LPO a significant(P <0.001) reduction was observed as compared to toxic control group.Conclusions:DCSE has contributed lo the reduction of oxidative stress and the protection of liver in experimental rals.

Hepatoprotective effects of Hovenia dulcis seeds against alcoholic liver injury and related mechanisms investigated via network pharmacology

BACKGROUND Alcoholic liver disease(ALD)is a worldwide health problem,and natural products have been shown to improve ALD due to their antioxidant activities.Some parts of Hovenia dulcis(H.dulcis),such as roots,peduncles,and stems,provide health benefits.Nevertheless,the effects and mechanisms of H.dulcis seeds on ALD have not yet been fully elucidated.AIM To determine H.dulcis antioxidant activity,evaluate its effects against ALD,and investigate the related mechanisms via network pharmacology.METHODS The antioxidant activity of H.dulcis seed was determined by both ferric-reducing antioxidant power and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays.The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method and aluminum chloride colorimetry,respectively,and polysaccharide was determined by phenol-sulfuric acid method.The effects of H.dulcis seeds against alcoholic liver injury were investigated in mice with water extract pretreatment for 7 days followed by alcohol administration.Moreover,the mechanisms of action were explored with network pharmacology.RESULTS The results showed that H.dulcis seeds possessed strong antioxidant activity(245.11±10.17μmol Fe2+/g by ferric-reducing antioxidant power and 284.35±23.57μmol TE/g by trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity)and contained remarkable phenols and flavonoids,as well as a few polysaccharides.H.dulcis seeds attenuated alcohol-induced oxidative liver injury,showing reduced serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases,alkaline phosphatase,and triglyceride,elevated hepatic glutathione,increased activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase,and reduced malondialdehyde and hepatic triglyceride.The results of network pharmacology analysis indicated that kaempferol,stigmasterol,and naringenin were the main bioactive compounds in H.dulcis seeds and that modulation of oxidative stress,inflammation,gut-derived products,and apoptosis were underlying mechanisms of the protective effects of H.dulcis seeds on ALD.CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrate that H.dulcis seeds could be a good natural antioxidant source with protective effects on oxidative diseases such as ALD.

Hepatoprotective activity of Terminalia paniculata against paracetamol induced hepatocellular damage in Wistar albino rats

Objective:To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Terminalia paniculata against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in rats.Methods:The plant material was shade dried, powdered and extracted with ethanol.Liv 52 and silymarin were used as standard drugs and 2%gum acacia as a control(vehicle).Alteration in the levels of biochemical markers of hepatic damage like AST,ALT,ALP and lipid peroxides were tested,and phytochemical tests were also performed.Results:Paracetamol(2 g/kg) increased the serum levels of alanine aminotransfer (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alkaline phosphatase(ALP) and the lipid peroxides. Treatment of Liv 52,silymarin and ethanolic extract of Terminalia paniculata(200 mg/kg) altered levels of biochemical marker and showed significant hepatoprotective activity.Ethanolic extract revealed the presence of phenolic compound and flavanoids.Our findings suggested that ethanolic bark extract of Terminalia paniculata possessed hepatoprotective activity in a dose dependent manner.Conclusions:Terminalia paniculata possesses hepatoprotective activity.It could be an effective and promising preventive agent against PCT induced hepatotoxicity.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Ajuga nipponensis extract by ultrasonic-assisted extraction

Objective: To investigate suitable condition for extraction of the active components from Ajuga nipponensis(A. nipponensis). Methods: Orthogonal experimental design was used to determine the optimal extraction parameters for ecdysterones and flavonoids. Finally, the hepatoprotective abilities of A. nipponensis extracts were evaluated by CCl_4-induced animal models. Results:Maximum yields of flavonoids(7.87±0.10) mg/g and ecdysterones(0.73±0.02) mg/g could be obtained when the extraction time was 50 min, the extraction temperature was 60 ℃, and the ratio of sample to 70%(v/v) ethanol was 1:20(w/w). The antioxidant property of A. nipponensis was correlated to the concentration of its extracts. At 5 mg/m L, A. nipponensisextract scavenged 84.8% of DPPH radical and had absorbance values of 2.43±0.04 reducing power. Upon CCl_4-induced liver injury, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase decreased significantly after the mice were treated with A. nipponensis. Histological researches also explained that A. nipponensis reduced the extent of liver lesions induced by CCl_4. Conclusions: A. nipponensis exhibited potent antioxidant activity in chemical experimental models and hepatoprotective effect against CCl_4-induced liver damage.

Hepatoprotective actions of melatonin:Possible mediation by melatonin receptors

Melatonin,the hormone of darkness and messenger of the photoperiod,is also well known to exhibit strong direct and indirect antioxidant properties. Melatonin has previously been demonstrated to be a powerful organ protective substance in numerous models of injury; these beneficial effects have been attributed to the hormone's intense radical scavenging capacity. The present report reviews the hepatoprotective potential of the pineal hormone in various models of oxidative stress in vivo,and summarizes the extensive literature showing that melatonin may be a suitable experimental substance to reduce liver damage after sepsis,hemorrhagic shock,ischemia/reperfusion,and in numerous models of toxic liver injury. Melatonin's influence on hepatic antioxidant enzymes and other potentially relevant pathways,such as nitric oxide signaling,hepatic cytokine and heat shock protein expression,are evaluated. Based on recent literature demonstrating the functional relevance of melatonin receptor activation for hepatic organ protection,this article finally suggests that melatonin receptors could mediate the hepatoprotective actions of melatonin therapy.

Hepatoprotective effect of leaf extracts from Citrus hystrix and C.maxima against paracetamol induced liver injury in rats

The present investigation is aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of Citrus hystrix and Citrus maxima(Red and White variety)methanolic leaf extracts on paracetamol induced toxicity.Leaf extracts were given in the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight for 7 days and toxicity was induced by paracetamol(2 g/kg)on day 5.Silymarin(100 mg/kg body weight)was used as reference standard.On the 7th day animals were sacrificed and liver function markers(ALT,AST,ALP),total bilirubin and total protein in blood serums and hepatic antioxidants(SOD,CAT,GSH and GPx)in liver homogenate were estimated.The leaf extracts restored the liver function markers and hepatic antioxidants to the normal level than elevated levels noticed on paracetamol control at P<0.001.Reversal of hepatoarchitecture has also been registered.The present study shows that C.hystrix and C.maxima leaf extracts possess hepatoprotective action against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity.©2015 Beijing Academy of Food Sciences.Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.

Phytochemical and biological activities of Crataegus sinaica growing in Egypt

Objective:To evaluate the cardiac activity and hepatoprotection of Crataegus sinaica (C.sinaica).Methods:All the isolated compounds were isolated by open-column liquid chromatography(CC) using sephadex LH-20 as stationary phase.Elution of the column was performed with EtOH or MeOH.The phytochemical investigation of the young stem of C.sinaica for the first time together with the leaves and flowers lead to the isolation and identification of quercetin,hyperoside,vitexin-2"-0-rhamnoside,epicatechin,procyanidin B2 and procyanidins CI.Results:Rats treated with the low and high dose of C.sinaica leaves with flowers extract showed 15%and 17%reduction in the heart rate,and reduction in the STsegment by 107%and 57%;respectively.The T-amplitude was decreased by 59%of the high dose extract.On the other hand,the young steins and leaves with flowers extracts of C.sinaica on primary culture of rat hepatocytes monolayer indicated a hepatoprotection for the total extract,ethyl acetate,butanol,and chlor of orm fractions at 100μg/mL,75μg/mL,50μg/mL,and 25μg/mL; respectively.Conclusions:The results of these chemical and biological studies suggest the use of C.sinaica growing in Egypt as a preventive drug against cardiovascular and hepatic diseases. The chemical studies suggest the use of woody young stems as a newly investigated bioactive organ.The extraction of unsaturated fatty acids from the seeds of the plant would serve as a good health and nutritive product.

1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose up-regulates heme oxygenase-1 expression by stimulating Nrf2 nuclear translocation in an extracellular signal-regulated kinase-dependent manner in HepG2 cells

AIM: To examine the potency of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (PGG) as a hepatic heme oxygen-ase-1(HO-1) inducer and its regulation in HepG2 cells. METHODS: Expression of HO-1 and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases were analyzed by Western blot, immuno-fluorescence assay, and flow cytometry. Transfections of HO-1 gene, small interfering RNAs for HO-1 and Nrf2, and dominant-negative gene for MAP/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were carried out to dissect the signaling pathways leading to HO-1 expression in HepG 2 cells. RESULTS: PGG up-regulated HO-1 expression and this expression conferred cytoprotection against oxidative injury induced by t-butyl hydroperoxide. Moreover, PGG induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, which was found to be an upstream step of PGG-induced HO-1 expression, and ERK activation, of which pathway was involved in PGG-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, HO-1 expression and cytoprotection. CONCLUSION: PGG up-regulates HO-1 expression by stimulating Nrf2 nuclear translocation in an ERK-depen-dent manner, and HO-1 expression by PGG may serve as one of the important mechanisms for its hepatoprotective effects.

Butein imparts free radical scavenging, anti-oxidative and proapoptotic properties in the flower extracts of Butea monosperma

The flower of Butea monosperma(Lam.)(Fabaceae)has been used in traditional Indian medicine in the treatment of many ailments including liver disorders.To understand the pharmacological basis of its beneficial effects,the extracts of dried flowers in water,methanol,butanol,ethyl acetate and acetone were evaluated for free radical scavenging and pro-apoptotic activities in cell cultures(human hepatoma Huh-7 cell line and immortalized AML-12 mouse hepatocytes).Butrin and butein-the active constituents of flower extracts-were used as reference molecules.The levels of cell injury markers like lactate dehydrogenase,glutathione and lipid peroxidation and primary antioxidant enzymes glutathione S-transferase and catalase were also measured.The aqueous and butanolic extracts exhibited better 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging and cytotoxic activities in hepatoma cells than in immortalized hepatocytes.Interestingly,butein inhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical better than butrin.The aqueous and butanolic extracts were further investigated for hepatoprotection against carbon tertrachloride-induced biochemical changes and cell death.Both extracts,just as butrin and butein,significantly reversed the cellular glutathione levels and lipid peroxidation,and glutathione–S-transferase activity.Lactate dehydrogenase leakage and cell death were also prevented.However,only butein revived the catalase activity.Thus,the butein content of Butea monosperma flower extracts is important for free radical scavenging activity,apoptotic cell death and protection against oxidative injury in hepatic cells.