Hepatoprotective effect of total flavonoids from Laggera alata against carbon tetrachloride-induced injury in primary cultured neonatal rat hepatocytes and in rats with hepatic damage

Summary The hepatoprotective activities of total flavonoids of Laggera alata (TFLA) were evaluated by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced injury in primary cultured neonatal rat hepatocytes and in rats with hepatic damage. In vitro, TFLA at a concentration range of 1–100 g/ml improved cell viability and inhibited cellular leakage of two enzymes, hepatocyte aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), caused by CCl₄. In vivo, oral treatment with TFLA at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg significantly reduced the levels of AST, ALT, total protein, and albumin in serum and the hydroxyproline and sialic acid levels in liver. Histopathological examinations revealed that liver damage were improved when treated with TFLA. Meanwhile, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radicals scavenging activities of TFLA were also determinated. To understand the exact components of TFLA responsible for the hepatoprotective effect, nine flavonoid compounds were isolated and identified from TFLA. In conclusion, the present investigation was the first to verify the hepatoprotective effect of L. alata in vitro and in vivo. The hepatoprotective action of TFLA is likely related to its potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. Neutralizing reactive oxygen species by nonenzymatic mechanisms and enhancing the activity of original natural hepatic-antioxidant enzymes may be the main mechanisms of TFLA against CCl₄-induced injury.