1-1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and Carbon-Tetrachloride-Poisoning

Hamelia patens is widely used in the traditional medicine of Mexico and Central America for the treatment of illnesses associated with inflammatory processes. In this study, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity were assayed on the methanolic crude (ME), hexane (HE), ethyl acetate (AE), and butanol (BE) extracts of H. patens. The total phenolic content (TPC) as mg of gallic acid equivalents per g of dry extract was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu's method (ME=141.58±11.99, HE=33.96±1.13, AE=375.18±13.09, BE=132.08±3.62), and antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging method (EC(50) ME=77.87±5.67, HE=236.64±26.32, AE=45.87±2.24, BE=50.97±0.85μg/mL). Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated through AST activity on HepG2 cells subjected to damage with CCl(4) (ME=62.5±3.41, HE=72.25±2.87, AE=63.50±4.20, BE=43.74±4.03). BE showed the greater hepatoprotective activity and a good antioxidant capacity, while HE did not show hepatoprotective or antioxidant activity. Cytotoxicity was evaluated on Vero cells cultures; none showed significant toxicity.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Biphenyl Compounds; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Cell Line; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Chlorocebus aethiops; Free Radical Scavengers; Hamelia; Humans; Phenols; Picrates; Plant Extracts; Polyphenols; Vero Cells

In this study we evaluated in vitro (radical scavenging) and in vivo (hepatoprotective effect) antioxidant activities and antimicrobial properties of the extracts of the above- and underground parts of Geranium macrorrhizum L. (Geraniaceae), an ethnopharmacologically renowned plant species. The antioxidant activity and total phenol and flavonoid contents of four different solvent extracts were evaluated by seven different methods. The methanol extracts, administered i.p. to rats (120-480 mg/kg), were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity in a CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity model. The same extracts were tested for antimicrobial activity against seven bacterial and two fungal species. The administered methanol extracts with the highest antioxidant potential showed a significant dose-dependent hepatoprotective action against CCl4-induced liver damage in both decreasing the levels of liver transaminases and bilirubin and in reducing the extent of morphological malformations of the liver. The leaf methanol extract displayed a very strong antibacterial activity, especially against Staphylococcus aureus, with low minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations. These results justify the frequent use of this plant species in folk medicine. Besides the known astringent effect, one can expect that the observed antimicrobial activity against several human pathogens contributes to the wound healing properties of this plant.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Antioxidants; Bilirubin; Biphenyl Compounds; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ferric Compounds; Flavonoids; Free Radical Scavengers; Geranium; Liver Function Tests; Male; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Phenols; Picrates; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Protective Agents; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reducing Agents; Rhizome; Staphylococcus aureus

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of Podophyllum hexandrum against free radical-mediated damage and also explore its anticancer activity. The extract exhibited significant activity in scavenging 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radicals, (•)OH radical-mediated DNA damage, and lipid peroxide production in rat liver microsomes. The extract was also tested for its reducing abilities. The activity of liver marker enzymes and antioxidant defense enzymes in rat liver homogenate was assessed in control and carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-treated animals. It was observed that CCl(4)-induced changes viz., increases in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase, a decrease in reduced glutathione as well as decreases in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase. All these parameters showed reversal when pretreated with aqueous extract of P. hexandrum. Podophylotoxin and etoposide are the two known anticancer agents derived from P. hexandrum and interestingly the aqueous extract of P. hexandrum showed a typical DNA ladder formation in HL-60 cells confirming its role as an inducer of apoptosis. The results obtained suggest that the plant extract exhibits inhibition of and free radical production and lipid peroxidation, increase in antioxidant enzyme activities, revealing its antioxidant properties, and is also able to show potent anticancer activity as depicted by its ability to cause fragmentation of DNA.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Berberidaceae; Biphenyl Compounds; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Catalase; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; DNA Damage; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Free Radical Scavengers; Free Radicals; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Reductase; Glutathione Transferase; HL-60 Cells; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Microsomes, Liver; Picrates; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Superoxide Dismutase

In the present study, in vitro antioxidant, antioxidative stress and hepatoprotective activity of Moringa oleifera Lam. seed oil (Ben oil; BO) was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4) ) induced lipid peroxidation and hepatic damage in rats. The oil at 0.2 and 0.4 mL/rat was administered orally for 21 consecutive days. The substantially elevated serum enzymatic (GOT, GPT, ALP, GGT) and bilirubin levels were significantly restored towards normalization by the oil. There was a significant elevation in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH), and total protein (TP) contents in the liver tissue. The results obtained indicated that BO possesses potent hepatoprotective action against CCl(4) -induced hepatic damage by lowering liver marker enzymes, MDA concentration, and elevating NP-SH and TP levels in liver tissue. The biochemical observations were supplemented with histopathological examination of rat liver. The results of this study showed that treatment with Ben oil or silymarin (as a reference) appears to enhance the recovery from hepatic damage induced by CCl(4) . The pentobarbital induced narcolepsy prolongation in mice was retarded by the Ben oil. Acute toxicity test in mice showed no morbidity or mortality. In vitro DPPH radical scavenging and β-carotene-linolic acid assay tests of the BO exhibited a moderate antioxidant activity in both tests used. The possible mechanism(s) of the liver protective activity of Ben oil activity may be due to free radical scavenging potential caused by the presence of antioxidant component(s) in the oil. Consequently, BO can be used as a therapeutic regime in treatment of some hepatic disorders.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; beta Carotene; Bilirubin; Biphenyl Compounds; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Female; Linoleic Acid; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Malondialdehyde; Mice; Moringa oleifera; Picrates; Plant Oils; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Seeds; Silymarin

To investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of quercetin-rutinoside (rutin) and its aglycone quercetin against CCl(4)-induced liver damage in mice.. BALB/cN mice were intraperitoneally administered rutin (10, 50, and 150 mg/kg) or quercetin (50 mg/kg) once daily for 5 consecutive days, followed by the intraperitoneal injection of CCl(4) in olive oil (2 mL/kg, 10% v/v). The animals were sacrificed 24 h later. Blood was collected for measuring the activities of ALT and AST, and the liver was excised for assessing Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, GSH and protein concentrations and also for immunoblotting. Portions of the livers were used for histology and immunohistochemistry.. Pretreatment with rutin and, to a lesser extent, with quercetin significantly reduced the activity of plasma transaminases and improved the histological signs of acute liver damage in CCl(4)-intoxicated mice. Quercetin prevented the decrease in Cu/Zn SOD activity in CCl(4)-intoxicated mice more potently than rutin. However, it was less effective in the suppression of nitrotyrosine formation. Quercetin and, to a lesser extent, rutin attenuated the inflammation in the liver by down-regulating the CCl(4)-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2). The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was more potently suppressed by rutin than by quercetin. Treatment with both flavonoids significantly increased NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1) expression in injured livers, although quercetin was less effective than rutin at an equivalent dose. Quercetin more potently suppressed the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) than rutin.. Rutin exerts stronger protection against nitrosative stress and hepatocellular damage but has weaker antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and antifibrotic potential than quercetin, which may be attributed to the presence of a rutinoside moiety in position 3 of the C ring.

Topics: Animals; Biphenyl Compounds; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Free Radical Scavengers; Immunohistochemistry; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Liver; Liver Function Tests; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Molecular Structure; Nitric Oxide; Oxidative Stress; Picrates; Quercetin; Rutin

Andrographis paniculata (hempedu bumi) is a plant that possesses many medicinal values in treating several diseases and for health care maintenance. However, its hepatoprotective activity and mechanism of action have not been fully investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of A. paniculata and its mechanism of action in rats. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) challenge of rats at a dose of 1.2 ml/kg body weight-induced oxidative stress in the liver. This was evidenced by augmentation in lipid peroxidation, which was accompanied by a decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and depletion in the level of reduced glutathione (P < 0.05). Parrallel to these changes, CCl(4) challenge too, enhanced hepatic damage as evidenced by sharp increase in serum transaminases (e.g. alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase) (P < 0.05). Additionally, the impairment of liver function corresponded to histolopathological changes. However, most of these changes were reversed in a dose-dependent fashion by pre-treatment of animals with A. paniculata (P < 0.05). The ability of A. paniculata to scavenge the 2,2-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical was determined through its EC(50) value. The EC(50) value of A. paniculata was 583.60 ± 4.25 µg/ml. In addition, A. paniculata was found to contain 65.37 ± 1.20 mg/g total phenolics expressed as gallic acid equivalent. From these studies, it is concluded that A. paniculata could be used as a hepatoprotective agent and possesses the potential to treat or prevent degenerative diseases where oxidative stress is implicated.

Topics: Andrographis; Animals; Antioxidants; Biphenyl Compounds; Carbon Tetrachloride; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glutathione; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Oxidative Stress; Picrates; Plant Components, Aerial; Plant Extracts; Protective Agents; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringa) seed extract on liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis was induced by the oral administration of 20% carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)), twice weekly and for 8 weeks. Simultaneously, M.oleifera Lam seed extract (1g/kg) was orally administered daily. The biochemical and histological results showed that Moringa reduced liver damage as well as symptoms of liver fibrosis. The administration of Moringa seed extract decreased the CCl(4)-induced elevation of serum aminotransferase activities and globulin level. The elevations of hepatic hydroxyproline content and myeloperoxidase activity were also reduced by Moringa treatment. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical study showed that Moringa markedly reduced the numbers of smooth muscle alpha-actin-positive cells and the accumulation of collagens I and III in liver. Moringa seed extract showed significant inhibitory effect on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical, as well as strong reducing antioxidant power. The activity of superoxide dismutase as well as the content of both malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl, which are oxidative stress markers, were reversed after treatment with Moringa. Finally, these results suggested that Moringa seed extract can act against CCl(4)-induced liver injury and fibrosis in rats by a mechanism related to its antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effect and its ability to attenuate the hepatic stellate cells activation.

Topics: Actins; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antioxidants; Biphenyl Compounds; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Collagen; Ferric Compounds; Free Radical Scavengers; Hydroxyproline; Immunohistochemistry; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Function Tests; Male; Malondialdehyde; Moringa; Muscle, Smooth; Oxidative Stress; Phenols; Picrates; Plant Extracts; Rats; Seeds

The study was aimed to investigate the ethanol extract of Arachniodes exilis for the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by different assays, including reducing power, lipid peroxidation, 2, 2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide. The hepatoprotective activity of ethanol extract was studied on mice liver damage induced by CCL(4) by monitoring biochemical parameters.. The extract showed potent activities on reducing power, lipid peroxide, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide. And oral administration of Arachniodes exilis at different doses resulted in significant improvement on the levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, malondialchehyche and superoxidedismutase.. The results indicate that this plant possesses potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties and has therapeutic potential for the treatment of liver diseases.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Benzothiazoles; Biphenyl Compounds; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Dryopteridaceae; Female; Hydrogen Peroxide; Hydroxyl Radical; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Mice; Phytotherapy; Picrates; Plant Extracts; Protective Agents; Rhizome; Sulfonic Acids; Superoxides; Thiazoles

Cichorium glandulosum Boiss. et Huet is a native plant used in Traditional Uighur Medicine, especially for treating a variety of liver disorders. In the present study, in vivo hepatoprotective effect of C. glandulosum root extract (CGRE) was evaluated using two experimental models, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- and galactosamine (GalN)-induced acute hepatotoxicity in mice. Pretreatment with CGRE (800 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for seven days significantly reduced the impact of CCl4 toxicity (10 mL/kg, i.p.) on the serum markers of liver damage, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Protective effect was reconfirmed against GalN-induced injury (800 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) and elevated serum enzymatic levels were significantly (p<0.05)and dose dependently restored towards normalization by the extracts. Furthermore, considering the well-known implication of free radicals in tissue injury, in vitro antioxidant properties of the extract were determined with a view to suggest the possible mechanism of activity. The extract showed noticeable antioxidant activity, comparable with standard antioxidants, through its ability to scavenge several free radicals (DPPH, O(2)(-), NO()) and efficiency against lipid peroxidation. Therefore, presented results suggest that CGRE is potent hepatoprotective agent that could protect liver against the acute injury and this ability might be attributed to its antioxidant potential.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Asteraceae; Biphenyl Compounds; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Free Radical Scavengers; Free Radicals; Galactosamine; Hepatocytes; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Mice; Nitric Oxide; Phytotherapy; Picrates; Plant Extracts; Plant Roots; Protective Agents; Superoxides

This study was carried out to investigate the anti-oxidative and hepatoprotective effects of glycoprotein isolated from Zanthoxylum piperitum DC fruit (ZPDC glycoprotein). ZPDC glycoprotein showed a single band with molecular weight of 24kDa on the 18% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel and consists of a carbohydrate component (18%) and a protein component (82%). We found that ZPDC glycoprotein has a strong scavenging activity against DPPH, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals without any pro-oxidant activity in the cell-free system. In hepatocyte cell lines (Chang liver and BNL CL.2 cells), the results showed that ZPDC glycoprotein has an inhibitory effect on hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase- or glucose/glucose oxidase-induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, administration of ZPDC glycoprotein (20mg/kg) lowers the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, alanine transaminase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, whereas increases that of nitric oxide, accompanying the normalizing effects on the activity of hepatic anti-oxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) in mouse model of carbon tetrachloride-stimulated acute liver injury. On the whole the results suggest that ZPDC glycoprotein can be a potent hepatoprotective agent as a natural anti-oxidant.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Antioxidants; Biphenyl Compounds; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Cell Line; Cell-Free System; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Free Radical Scavengers; Fruit; Glucose Oxidase; Glycoproteins; Hepatocytes; Humans; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Nitric Oxide; Picrates; Pronase; Protective Agents; Superoxides; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Xanthine Oxidase; Zanthoxylum

The antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of Cirsium setidens Nakai, a widely used medicinal plant, were investigated. The n-butanol (n-BuOH) fraction of leaves and roots of C. setidens had a higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity than the other soluble fractions. The n-BuOH fraction of roots of C. setidens had a significant hepatoprotective activity at a dose of 500 mg/kg compared to that of a standard agent. The biochemical results were confirmed by histological observations indicating that C. setidens extract decreased ballooning degeneration in response to CCl(4) treatment. The n-BuOH fraction reduced CCl(4)-induced liver injury in rats, and transcript levels of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPO1), glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPO3) and superoxide dismutase (SOD1) were elevated in the livers of rats treated with this fraction (500 mg/kg). Based on these results, we suggest that the C. setidens extract has hepatoprotective effect related to its antioxidant activity.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Biphenyl Compounds; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Cirsium; DNA; Ethanol; Free Radical Scavengers; Hydrazines; Liver; Liver Diseases; Olive Oil; Picrates; Plant Extracts; Plant Oils; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Antioxidant activity of hydro alcoholic extract of Nelumbo nucifera seeds (HANN) was studied using in vitro and in vivo models. Total phenolic content in HANN was found to be 7.61 +/- 0.04% (w/w). Characteristic HPTLC fingerprints of HANN were also made using different solvent systems. The HANN exhibited strong free radical scavenging activity as evidenced by the low IC(50) values in both DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) (6.12 +/- 0.41 microg/ml) and nitric oxide (84.86 +/- 3.56 microg/ml) methods. The values were found to be less than those of rutin, the standard used. Acute toxicity of HANN was evaluated in Swiss Albino mice, no signs of toxicity were observed up to the oral dose of 1,000 mg/kg body weight. Administration of HANN to Wistar rats at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 4 days prior to carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) treatment caused a significant dose dependent increase (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) in the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase and a significant decrease (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), when compared to CCl(4) treated control in both liver and kidney. These changes observed at 100 mg/kg body weight treatment were comparable to those observed for standard Vitamin E at 50 mg/kg treatment. Nelumbo nucifera seeds contain alkaloids, saponins, phenolics and carbohydrates. The results support significant antioxidant nature of HANN.

Topics: Animals; Biphenyl Compounds; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Free Radical Scavengers; Hydrazines; In Vitro Techniques; Kidney; Liver; Male; Mice; Nelumbo; Nitric Oxide; Phytotherapy; Picrates; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Rutin; Seeds; Superoxide Dismutase; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Toxicity Tests, Acute

The antioxidant activities of Acanthopanax senticosus stems were evaluated in CCl4-intoxicated rats. The n-butanol fraction from the water extract of the stems, when pretreated orally at 200 mg/kg/day for 7 consecutive days in rats, was demonstrated to exhibit significant increases in antioxidant enzyme activities such as hepatic cytosolic superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase by 30.31, 19.82 and 155%, respectively. The n-butanol fraction whereas showed a significant inhibition of serum GPT activity (65.79% inhibition) elevated with hepatic damage induced by CCl4-intoxication. Eleutheroside B, a lignan component, isolated from the n-butanol fraction was found to cause a moderate free radical scavenging effect on DPPH, its scavenging potency as indicated in IC50 value, being 58.5 microM. These results suggested that the stems of A. senticosus possess not only antioxidant but also hepatoprotective activities.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Antioxidants; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Biphenyl Compounds; Butanols; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Eleutherococcus; Free Radical Scavengers; Glucosides; Hepatocytes; Indicators and Reagents; Lignans; Male; Phenylpropionates; Picrates; Plant Extracts; Plant Stems; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Silymarin; Solubility; Water

The anti-oxidant activities of the various fractions from the herbs of Artemisia apiacea were investigated. The n-hexane and n-butanol fractions were found to cause significant free radical scavenging effects on DPPH, their scavenging potencies as indicated in IC(50) values, being 230.1 and 183.7 microg/ml, respectively. The n-butanol fraction exhibited a significant decrease in serum transaminase activities elevated by hepatic damage induced by CCl(4)-intoxication in rats. All fractions tested exhibited a lipid peroxidation causing a significant decrease in MDA production in TBA-reactant assay. The n-butanol fraction was the strongest in the increase in the anti-oxidant enzymes such as hepatic cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) activities in CCl(4)-intoxicated rats. These results suggest that the herbs of A. apiacea possess not only the anti-oxidant, but also the activities in CCl(4)-intoxicated rats. Especially, the n-butanol extract was found to cause significant increases in the rat liver cytosolic SOD, catalase, GSH-px activities as well as a significant decrease in the MDA production.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Antioxidants; Artemisia; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Biphenyl Compounds; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Free Radical Scavengers; In Vitro Techniques; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Malondialdehyde; Phytotherapy; Picrates; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Solvents

The hepatoprotective effects of the hot water (SRHW) and methanolic (SRM) extracts from the roots and stems of Salacia reticulata were examined using an oxidative stress-induced liver injury model. Both SRHW and SRM extracts (400 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly suppressed the increase in glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activities in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated mice. These extracts also inhibited CCl4-induced thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBA-RS) formation, which indicates increased lipid peroxidation in the liver. A good correlation (r=0.945, p<0.01) was observed between the amount of phenolic compounds in the extracts and their inhibitions of TBA-RS formation. The IC50 values of the extracts on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging were less than 10 microg/ml and the antioxidative activities of six phenolic compounds from the roots of S. reticulata were examined. Mangiferin, (-)-4'-O-methylepigallocatechin, and (-)-epicatechin-(4beta-->8)-(-)-4'-O-methylepigallocatechin, which a principal phenolic compounds, showed potent scavenging activity on DPPH radicals and their concentrations required for 50% reduction of 40 microM DPPH radicals were 5.9, 10, and 3.2 microM, respectively. On the other hand, against the CCl4-induced serum GOT and GPT elevations and TBA-RS formation in mice, mangiferin and (-)-4'-O-methylepigallocatechin showed potent activity at a dose of 100 mg/kg, but (-)-epicatechin-(4beta-->8)-(-)-4'-O-methylepigallocatechin did not. These results suggest that the antioxidative activity of the principal phenolic compounds is involved in the hepatoprotective activity of S. reticulata.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Antioxidants; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Biphenyl Compounds; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Male; Methanol; Mice; Phenols; Picrates; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Solvents; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Water