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.     

Free-radical scavenging by Ouratea parviflora in experimentally-induced liver injuries

The antioxidant potential of crude extracts and fractions from leaves of Ouratea parviflora, a Brazilian medicinal plant used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, was investigated in vitro through the scavenging of radicals 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), hydroxyl radical (HO*), superoxide anion (O2*-), and lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate. The crude extract (CEOP) and hydro-alcoholic fraction (OP4) showed strong inhibitory activity toward lipid peroxidation induced by tert-butyl peroxide (IC50 = 2.3 +/- 0.2 and 1.9 +/- 0.1 microg/ml, respectively). The same products exhibited a strong concentration-dependent inhibition of deoxyribose oxidation (14.9 +/- 0.2 and 0.2 +/- 0.1 microg/ml, respectively), and also showed a considerable antioxidant activity against O2*- (87.3 +/- 0.1 and 73.1 +/- 0.4 microg/ml, respectively) and DPPH radicals (55.4 +/- 0.3 and 38.3 +/- 0.4 microg/ml, respectively). The protective effects of CEOP and OP4 were also studied in mouse liver. CCl4 significantly increased (by 90%) levels of lipid hydroperoxides, carbonyl protein content (64%), DNA damage index (133%), aspartate aminotransferase (261%), alanine aminotransferase (212%), catalase activity (23%), and also caused a decrease of 60% in GSH content. The results showed that CEOP and OP4 exerted cytoprotective effects against oxidative injury caused by CCl4 in rat liver, probably related to the antioxidant activity showed by the in vitro free radical scavenging property.     

Dimerumic acid as an antioxidant of the mold, Monascus anka

We previously reported that the mold Monascus anka, traditionally used for fermentation of food, showed antioxidant and hepatoprotective actions against chemically induced liver injuries. In the present study, the antioxidant component of M. anka was isolated and identified. The antioxidant was elucidated to be dimerumic acid. DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical was significantly scavenged by the antioxidant whereas hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion were moderately scavenged. When the antioxidant (12 mg/kg) was given to mice prior to carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4), 20 microl/kg, ip) treatment, the CCl(4)-induced liver toxicity in mice seen in an elevation of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities was depressed, suggesting the hepatoprotective action of the antioxidant. The liver microsomal glutathione S-transferase activity, which is known to be activated by oxidative stress or active metabolites, was increased by CCl(4) treatment and the increase was also depressed by pretreatment with the mold antioxidant. Thus these data confirmed that the dimerumic acid isolated from M. anka is the potential antioxidant and protective against CCl(4)-induced liver injury.     

Promethazine inhibits the formation of aldehydic products of lipid peroxidation but not covalent binding resulting from the exposure of rat liver fractions to CCl4.

Promethazine is known to have protective activity in relation to CCl4-induced liver necrosis. This hepatoprotective property has been investigated with regard to the free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties of promethazine using isolated hepatocytes and microsomal suspensions. CCl4 is activated in both systems to free radical metabolites that bind covalently to lipid and protein, and initiate lipid peroxidation. A large number of carbonyl products is produced during CCl4-induced lipid peroxidation; promethazine strongly inhibits the production of all classes of carbonyl compounds in both microsomal suspensions and isolated hepatocytes. In contrast, promethazine is a very weak inhibitor of the covalent binding of metabolites of CCl4. We conclude that promethazine acts by scavenging the trichloromethylperoxyl radical and lipid peroxyl radicals, and is a weak scavenger of the trichloromethyl radical. These data, when considered together with the hepatoprotective effects of promethazine, suggest that lipid peroxidation is of relatively more importance than covalent binding in the pathogenesis of CCl4-induced liver necrosis.     

Antioxidant effects and hepatoprotective activity of 2,5-dihydroxy-4,3'-di(beta-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-trans-stilbene from Morus bombycis Koidzumi roots on CCl4-induced liver damage

We investigated hepatoprotective activity and antioxidant effect of the 2,5-dihydroxy-4,3'-di(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-trans-stilbene that purified from Morus bombycis Koidzumi roots against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats. The 2,5-dihydroxy-4,3'-di(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-trans-stilbene displayed dose-dependent superoxide radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 430.2 microg/ml), as assayed by the electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trapping technique. The increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in serum associated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury was inhibited by 2,5-dihydroxy-4,3'-di(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-trans-stilbene and at a dose of 400 - 600 mg/kg samples had hepatoprotective activity comparable to the standard agent, silymarin. The biochemical assays were confirmed by histological observations showing that the 2,5-dihydroxy-4,3'-di(beta-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-trans-stilbene decreased cell ballooning in response to CCl4 treatment. These results demonstrate that the 2,5-dihydroxy-4,3'-di(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-trans-stilbene is a potent antioxidant with a liver protective action against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.     

Protective effects of melatonin against carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity in rats

Melatonin is an indolamine, mainly secreted by the pineal gland into the blood of mammalian species. The potential for protective effects of melatonin on carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced acute liver injury in rats was investigated in this work. CCl(4) exerts its toxic effects by generation of free radicals; it was intragastrically administered to male Wistar rats (4 g kg(-1) body weight) at 20 h before the animals were decapitated. Melatonin (15 mg kg(-1) body weight) was administered intraperitoneally three times: 30 min before and at 2 and 4 h after CCl(4) injection. Rats injected with CCl(4) alone showed significant lipid and hydropic dystrophy of the liver, massive necrosis of hepatocytes, marked increases in free and conjugated bilirubin levels, elevation of hepatic enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) in plasma, as well as NO accumulation in liver and in blood. Melatonin administered at a pharmacological dose diminished the toxic effects of CCl(4). Thus it decreased both the structural and functional injury of hepatocytes and clearly exerted hepatoprotective effects. Melatonin administration also reduced CCl(4)-induced NO generation. These findings suggest that the effect of melatonin on CCl(4)-induced acute liver injury depends on the antioxidant action of melatonin.     

细脚拟青霉代谢产物清除自由基和抑制单胺氧化酶活性的研究

用二苯代苦味肼基自由基(DPPH)-TLC法和酶标仪法对一株细脚拟青霉RCEF0394发酵液甲醇提取物的清除自由基活性进行了定性和定量测定,发现该提取物具有较强的清除自由基活性,在浓度为5.0mg/mL,于37℃下保温10min时,它对0.4mg/mL的DPPH自由基的清除率可达75.4%。以大鼠肝脏线粒体单胺氧化酶为靶标的体外实验发现供试细脚拟青霉发酵液有较强的抑制单胺氧化酶活性,且其活性和浓度呈量效关系。该发酵液冻干品对单胺氧化酶的半数抑制浓度IC50为118.1μg/mL。其三氯甲烷提取物对单胺氧化酶的抑制活性明显强于发酵液冻干品,表明该抑制剂可能为极性较低的化合物。进一步的分型试验表明该三氯甲烷提取物对A型单胺氧化酶呈混合抑制,对B型呈竞争性抑制,其Km值分别为0.44mg/L,0.34mg/L。     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of flowers of Calotropis procera (Ait) R. Br. in CCl4 induced hepatic damage

Hepatoprotective activity of 70% ethanolic extract of flowers of C. procera was studied against CCl4 induced hepatic injury in albino rats and mice. In addition, antioxidant activity was studied by in vitro models. Pre-treatment with 70% ethanolic extract (CPA) reduced the biochemical markers of hepatic injury like serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, cholesterol, HDL and tissue glutathione (GSH) levels. Similarly pretreatment with CPA reduced the CCl4 induced elevation in the pentobarbitone sleeping time. Histopathological observations also revealed that pretreatment with CPA protected the animals from CCl4 induced liver damage. CPA demonstrated dose dependant reduction in the in vitro and in vivo lipid peroxidation induced by CCl4. In addition it showed dose dependant free radical scavenging activity. The results indicate that flowers of C. procera possess hepatoprotective property possibly because of its anti-oxidant activity. This property may be attributed to the quercetin related flavonoids present in the flowers of Calotropis procera.     

Protective effects of an extract of young radish (Raphanus sativus L) cultivated with sulfur (sulfur-radish extract) and of sulforaphane on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity

The protective effects of an extract of young radish (Raphanus sativus L) cultivated with sulfur (sulfur-radish extract) and of sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver injury were observed in mice. CCl(4) produced a marked increase in the serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), primed lipid peroxidation, and resulted in intense necrosis due to oxidative stress. Oral administration of the sulfur-radish extract and of sulforaphane after CCl(4)-induced liver injury both decreased the serum level of ALT, reduced the necrotic zones, inhibited lipid peroxidation, and induced phase 2 enzymes without affecting cytochrome P450-2E1 (CYP2E1). These results suggest that the administration of the sulfur-radish extract and of sulforaphane may partially prevent CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity, possibly by indirectly acting as an antioxidant by improving the detoxification system.     

Free radical scavenging and hepatoprotective actions of Quercus aliena acorn extract against CCl4-induced liver

In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of Quercus aliena acorn extracts against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, and the mechanism underlying the protective effects. Aqueous extracts of Quercus aliena acorn had higher superoxide radical scavenging activity than other types of extracts. The Quercus aliena acorn extracts displayed dose-dependent superoxide radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 4.92 μg/ml), as assayed by the electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trapping technique. Pretreatment with Quercus aliena acorn extracts reduced the increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. The hepatoprotective action was confirmed by histological observation. The aqueous extracts reversed CCl₄-induced liver injury and had an antioxidant action in assays of FeCl₂- ascorbic acid induced lipid peroxidation in rats. Expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) mRNA, as measured by RT-PCR, was significantly decreased in the livers of Quercus aliena acorn-pretreated rats compared with the livers of the control group. These results suggest that the hepatoprotective effects of Quercus aliena acorn extract are related to its antioxidative activity and effect on the expression of CYP2E1.     

桦褐孔菌发酵及其提取物清除自由基活性的研究

用1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl(DPPH)酶标仪法,对桦褐孔菌发酵液的甲醇提取物的自由基清除率进行了测定,发现该提取物具有较强的清除自由基的活性;进一步用DPPH薄层试验,结果发现该菌的CHCL3提取物中主要含有两个具清除自由基活性的组分.在此基础上,以清除自由基活性为指标,对桦褐孔菌液体发酵条件进行优化,发现当培养条件为:葡萄糖20g/L、甘油6mL/L、蛋白胨15g/L、CuSO4 0.005g/L、酪氨酸0.05g/L;种龄为7d、装液量为50mL/250mL、转速为180r/min、接种量为10%时,桦褐孔菌发酵液提取物的清除自由基活性最强.     

Thioureas differentially induce rat hepatic microsomal epoxide hydrolase and rGSTA2 irrespective of their oxygen radical scavenging effect: effects on toxicant-induced liver injury

Thioureas have been employed as potent hydroxyl radical scavengers and also inhibit production of oxygen free radicals. The in vitro oxygen radical scavenging effect by N,N'-substituted thioureas including dimethylthiourea (DMT), diethylthiourea (DET), tetramethylthiourea (TMT) and diphenylthiourea (DPT) was assessed by the conversion of phi x-174 DNA from supercoiled DNA to the open circular form or to fragmented DNA. Addition of the N,N'-substituted thioureas to the incubation mixture significantly prevented a single strand breakage of phi x-174 DNA induced by autooxidation of benzenetriol. These thioureas were also effective in preventing degradation of phi x-174 DNA induced by autooxidation of benzenetriol in the presence of ferrous iron. In view of the in vitro radical scavenging effect by the thioureas and the role of reactive oxygen species in the induction of phase II detoxifying enzymes, expression of microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) and rGSTA2 in response to these agents was investigated in the rat liver. Rats treated with each of the alkylthioureas exhibited marked increases of mEH and rGSTA2 mRNA levels with TMT being the most effective. DPT an arylthiourea, however, was minimally active in increasing the mRNAs. Time-course studies revealed that DMT, DET and TMT increased the mRNA levels to the greatest extent at 24 h after a single dose of treatment. The levels of mEH and rGSTA2 mRNA were elevated in a dose-dependent manner by the alkylthioureas. Immunoblot analysis showed that the alkylthioureas induced mEH and rGSTA2 proteins in the liver (0.6 mmol/kg per day, 3 days), which was consistent with the increases in the mRNA levels. DMT, DET or TMT enhanced CCl4-induced liver toxicity, as monitored by plasma aminotransferase activity, although each of the agents alone caused only slight increase in the alanine aminotransferase activity. In contrast to the effects of the alkylthioureas, DPT protected the liver against the toxicant-induced injury. All of the thioureas prevented decreases in the hepatic glutathione level by CCl4. Expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 and P450 2B1/2, which are implicated with metabolic activation of CCl4, was assessed after treatment with the thioureas. P450 2E1 and P450 2B1/2 were differentially induced by the alkylthioureas with the expression of P450 2E1 being inversely related with that of P450 2B1/2. These results showed that N,N'-substituted alkylthioureas were capable of inducing mEH and rGSTA2 in the liver with elevation of the mRNAs, that induction of mEH and rGSTA2 by these alkylthioureas might be mediated by production of the reactive oxygens derived from metabolic activation of the agents irrespective of their radical scavenging effect and that the agents rather enhanced toxicant-induced liver injury with the induction of P450 2E1 or P450 2B1/2.     

Antioxidant effect of the marine algae Chlorella vulgaris against naphthalene-induced oxidative stress in the albino rats

Alcoholic extract of the marine algae Chlorella vulgaris was examined for its free radical scavenging effect with reference to naphthalene-induced lipid peroxidation in serum, liver, and kidney of rats. Initially, upon naphthalene intoxication (435 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally), the lipid peroxidation activity increased significantly (P < 0.001), and in contrast, the enzymic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymic antioxidants (glutathione, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol) levels decreased remarkably. When the naphthalene stressed rats were treated with Chlorella vulgaris extract (70 mg/kg body weight, orally), the lipid peroxidation activity reduced significantly (P < 0.001) and the activities of both the enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants increased reaching near control values. The minimum concentration (70 mg/l) of the extract that exhibited maximum (85%) free radical scavenging activity was chosen for the experimental study. The present results suggest that Chlorella vulgaris extract exerts its chemo-preventive effect by modulating the antioxidants status and lipid peroxidation during naphthalene intoxication.     

Free radical scavenging action of medicinal herbs from Mongolia.

In the present study we evaluated the free radical scavenging action of some medicinal herbs growing in Mongolia. The aqueous extract of nine herbs Chamenerion angustifolium (Ch.ang), Equisetum arvense (Eq.arv), Gentiana decumbens (Gn.dec), Geranium pratense (Gr.pra), Lomatogonium carinthiacum (L.car), Nonea poulla (N.pl), Phodococcum vitis-idaea (Ph.v), Sphallerocarpus gracilis (Sph.gr), Stellera chamaejasme (St.cha) were used in the present experiment. The free radical scavenging action was determined in vitro and ex vivo by using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometer and chemiluminescence (CL) analyzer. The results showed that extracts of Ch.ang, Gn.dec, Gr.pra, L.car, N.pl, Ph.v, Sph.gr and St. cha possess strong scavenging action of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. On the other hand, the radical scavenging action of Eq.arv was low. Extracts of N.pl and Ph.v markedly inhibited the CL generated from rat liver microsomal cytochrome P450 system whereas the CL was moderately inhibited by Eq.arv, Gn.dec, Gr.pra, L.car and St.cha. The extracts of Ch.ang and Sph.gr did not decrease the CL generation. Ch.ang, Gr.pra, L.car, N.pl, Ph.v and St.cha also depressed reactive oxygen production from polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated by phorbol-12-myristate acetate ex vivo. Thus it was confirmed that the medicinal herbs from Mongolia possess high antioxidant potency in vitro and ex vivo.     

Phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from Anthemis tinctoria L. (Asteraceae)

From the aerial parts of Anthemis tinctoria L. subsp. tinctoria var. pallida DC. (Asteraceae), one new cyclitol glucoside, conduritol F-1-O-(6'-O-E-p-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), has been isolated together with four flavonoids, nicotiflorin (2), isoquercitrin (3), rutin (4) and patulitrin (5). The structures of the isolated compounds were established by means of NMR, MS, and UV spectral analyses. Methanolic extract and pure isolated compounds were examined for their free radical, scavenging activity, using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free stable radical, and for their inhibitory activity toward soybean lipoxygenase, using linoleic acid as substrate. Compounds 1 and 5 showed a strong scavenging effect in the DPPH radical assay. In addition 5 also exhibited high inhibitory activity on soybean lipoxygenase.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Morus bombycis Koidzumi on CCl4-induced liver damage

The antioxidant activity and liver protective effect of Morus bombycis Koidzumi were investigated. Aqueous extracts of M. bombycis Koidzumi had higher superoxide radical scavenging activity than other types of extracts. The aqueous extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg showed significant hepatoprotective activity when compared with that of a standard agent. The biochemical results were confirmed by histological observations indicating that M. bombycis Koidzumi extract together with CCl(4) treatment decreased ballooning degeneration. The water extract recovered the CCl(4)-induced liver injury and showed antioxidant effects in assays of FeCl(2)-ascorbic acid-induced lipid peroxidation in rats. Based on these results, we suggest that the hepatoprotective effect of the M. bombycis Koidzumi extract is related to its antioxidative activity.     

蛹虫草MF27高抗氧化活性提取物筛选及保肝作用研究

本研究对一株优质蛹虫草菌株MF27不同提取物进行体外抗氧化活性比较,筛选得到高抗氧化活性提取物,并进一步探究该提取物对CCl₄诱导的小鼠肝损伤的修复作用。以DPPH自由基和羟自由基的清除率为抗氧化评价指标,从菌丝体发酵液、菌丝体水提物/醇提物、以及子实体水提物/醇提物中筛选菌株MF27的高抗氧化活性提取物;以CCl₄致小鼠急性肝损伤为模型,通过检测血清生化指标、肝功指标的变化,来评价该高活性提取物的体内抗氧化保肝效果。体外抗氧化实验结果表明,MF27的不同提取物均具有较好的体外抗氧化活性,但对清除DPPH和OH自由基能力最好的提取物是子实体水提物,其对DPPH自由基的半数有效浓度（EC₅₀）为0.096mg/mL,对羟自由基的半数有效浓度（EC₅₀）为0.196mg/mL,当在1mg/mL 时对DPPH自由基的清除率为94.94%,对羟自由基的清除率为70.17%;体内抗氧化保肝结果显示,给药组（子实体水提物）相比模型组而言,小鼠血清中ALT、AST以及肝脏中MDA水平极显著降低（P<0.01）、SOD水平极显著升高（P<0.01）,表明子实体水提物能有效改善氧化性肝损伤,同时与阳性对照（联苯双酯）对比,给药组在肝脏指数上表现出相当的作用（P>0.05）。本研究表明菌株MF27的最有效抗氧化活性提取物是子实体水提物,它对体内氧化性肝损伤有一定的修复能力,揭示MF27子实体水提物具有成为抗氧化性肝损伤功能产品的潜力。     

Studies on the mechanism of the protective action of 16,16-dimethylPGE2 in carbon tetrachloride induced acute hepatic injury in the rat

We have previously demonstrated the partial protection of the rat liver by 16,16-dmPGE2 (DMPG) against a number of hepatotoxins including carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). However, it has not been determined whether hepatoprotection by DMPG represents a true "cytoprotective" action or if merely accomplished through inhibition of CCl4 metabolism to reactive, toxic trichoromethyl (CCl3.) free radicals. This report details a series of experiments in which the effects of DMPG on CCl4 metabolism was evaluated in the rat. These data indicate that pretreatment with DMPG may reduce the hepatic concentration of the toxic CCl3. free radicals in CCl4 poisoned rats. Evidence is presented which suggests that this reduction in binding may have been due to a decrease in the rate of CCl4 metabolism. However, DMPG did not affect the hepatic concentration of total microsomal cytochrome P450, the necessary enzyme in this metabolic process. On the other hand, free radical spin trapping experiments indicate that the rate of free radical formation from CCl4 was slowed by treatment. Also, indirect evidence suggests that the metabolism of another cytochrome P450 substrate, phenobarbital, was slowed in DMPG treated rats. We conclude that the rate of CCl4 metabolism may be reduced by pretreatment with DMPG. Furthermore, some measure of hepatic protection might be expected to occur as a result of the reduction in the rate of CCl4 metabolism. However, we are unable to determine if this action was solely responsible for the observed hepatic protection.     

Hepatoprotective effects of Solanum nigrum Linn extract against CCl(4)-induced oxidative damage in rats

Solanum nigrum L. (SN) is an herbal plant that has been used as hepatoprotective and anti-inflammation agent in Chinese medicine. In this study, the protective effects of water extract of SN (SNE) against liver damage were evaluated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced chronic hepatotoxicity in rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were orally fed with SNE (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 g kg(-1) bw) along with administration of CCl4 (20% CCl4/corn oil; 0.5 mL kg(-1) bw) for 6 weeks. The results showed that the treatment of SNE significantly lowered the CCl4-induced serum levels of hepatic enzyme markers (GOT, GPT, ALP, and total bilirubin), superoxide and hydroxyl radical. The hepatic content of GSH, and activities and expressions of SOD, GST Al, and GST Mu that were reduced by CCl4 were brought back to control levels by the supplement of SNE. Liver histopathology showed that SNE reduced the incidence of liver lesions including hepatic cells cloudy swelling, lymphocytes infiltration, hepatic necrosis, and fibrous connective tissue proliferation induced by CCl4 in rats. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that SNE could protect liver against the CCl4-induced oxidative damage in rats, and this hepatoprotective effect might be contributed to its modulation on detoxification enzymes and its antioxidant and free radical scavenger effects.     

Antioxidant activity of medicinal herb Rhodococcum vitis-idaea on galactosamine-induced liver injury in rats.

Aim of the study was to evaluate in vivo antioxidant action of medicinal herb Rhodococcum vitis-idaea (Rh.v) on galactosamine (GalN)-induced rat liver toxicity. The results showed that the hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by GalN (700 mg/kg, s.c.) after 24 h evidenced by an increase in serum alanine aminotransferase and glutathione (GSH) S-transferase activities, and lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate were significantly inhibited, when 10 times diluted Rh.v. extract (5 ml/kg, i.p.) was given to rats 12 and 1 h before GalN treatment demonstrating that the extract of Rh.v is a potent antioxidant and protective against GalN-induced hepatotoxicity. The main antioxidant compound of the herb water extract used in the experiment was determined as arbutin, which possess 8% of dry weight of the herb. The electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometer analysis revealed that the arbutin isolated from Rh.v exhibited strong superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging ability.