黄芩素对四氯化碳诱导小鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用

<正>黄芩素是一种天然类黄酮物质,提取于唇形科植物高黄芩(Scutellaria altissima L.)的全草中,因其抗炎、解热作用[1]显著、毒副作用小越来越多的受到人们的重视。本实验室首次通过灌胃黄芩素并采用四氯化碳诱导急性肝损伤小鼠模型,观察黄芩素对肝脏的影响并讨论了其可能的作用机制。1材料与方法1.1材料及仪器健康昆明小鼠(♂),体质量18～22 g,清洁级,由第四军医大学动物实验中心提供。黄芩素(中国食     

Hepatoprotective effects of Juglans regia extract against CCl4-induced oxidative damage in rats

Abstract

Context: Different parts of the walnut [Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae)] have been used in folk medicine for protection against liver injury, although its actual efficacy remains uncertain.

Objective: The present study investigated the protective effect of walnut leaf extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in rats.

Materials and methods: The rats were randomly divided into seven groups: control, CCl₄ (i.p., 0.5?mL/kg b.w., 50% CCl₄ in olive oil), walnut extract (at dose level of 0.2?g/kg b.w.) alone, walnut extract (at dose levels of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4?g/kg b.w.) with CCl₄, and treatment was carried out accordingly. On the 28th day, rats were sacrificed and blood was withdrawn by cardiac puncture. Liver damage was assessed by serum biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and albumin), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and histopathological observation.

Results: Administration of walnut leaf extract (ranging from 0.2 to 0.4?g/kg b.w.) significantly lowered serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels in CCl₄-treated rats. Walnut leaf extract increased antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and catalase. Histopathological examination of livers showed that walnut leaves extract reduced fatty degeneration, cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis in CCl₄-treated rats.

Discussion and conclusion: These results suggest that walnut extract has a protective effect over CCl₄-induced oxidative damage in rat liver. These results demonstrate that walnut extract acts as a good hepatoprotective and antioxidant agent in attenuating hepatocellular damage.     

软肝片抗肝纤维化作用的实验研究

目的探讨软肝片对四氯化碳中毒性肝纤维化的防治作用。方法用四氯化碳皮下注射造成大鼠肝纤维化模型 ,以联苯双酯作为阳性对照 ,测定血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶 (ALT)、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶 (AST)、玻璃酸(HA)、唾液酸及肝组织羟脯氨酸 (Hyp)、丙二醛 (MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶 (SOD)含量 ,以反映肝细胞损伤及肝纤维化程度。结果软肝片可明显降低肝纤维化大鼠血清ALT、AST、HA、唾液酸水平及肝组织Hyp和MDA水平 ,提高肝组织中SOD活力。结论软肝片具有一定的抗肝纤维化及抗脂质过氧化作用。     

Antioxidant Activities of the Chloroform Extract of Solanum trilobatum

A chloroform extract from the anticancer herb Solanum trilobatum (CST) (Nadkarni, 1979) was analyzed and compared with reference antioxidants for its in vitro antioxidative properties such as scavenging of α,α-diphenyl-β-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radicals, protection to deoxyribose degradation, reducing power, as well as inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of CST by silica gel thin-layer chromatography showed the presence of simple phenols, phenolic acids, isoflavones, xanthones, and lignans. The antioxidative effect of CST was found to be concentration dependent to a certain extent and then leveled off with further increase in concentration. The IC₅₀ for each antioxidative reaction studied was calculated. When compared to the reference antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), CST exhibited less scavenging effect on DPPH radicals and reducing power but a better superoxide radical scavenging effect. From a comparison of the hydroxyl radical scavenging effect of CST with catechin, it seemed that CST was four-times more effective than catechin. CST was also able to prevent the formation of ·OH-induced malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat liver homogenate.     

石杉碱甲对老年大鼠异常的脂质过氧化和超氧化物歧化酶的改善作用(英文)

目的:研究石杉碱甲对老年大鼠海马、皮层和血清的脂质过氧化和超氧化物歧化酶的作用。方法:硫代巴比妥酸法测定组织中MDA水平;黄嘌呤氧化酶法测定组织中超氧化物歧化酶的活性。结果:雄性老年大鼠海马、皮层和血清中MDA水平和Mn-SOD活性明显高于成年大鼠。石杉碱甲明显降低雄性老年大鼠海马、皮层和血清中MDA水平和SOD活性,而对成年大鼠的这两项指标无明显影响。结论:石杉碱甲能明显改善衰老导致的自由基系统的异常变化,这种神经保护作用可能有益于AD的治疗。     

甲基黄酮醇胺对大鼠急性脑缺血再灌注损伤的保护(英文)

目的:研究MFA对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤的作用.方法:用四动脉结扎法造成大鼠急性全脑缺血再灌损伤.MFA在缺血和再灌前5 min分别iv 20 mg kg~(-1).结果:再灌组的脑水份含量显著增高(82.7％±1.1％vs对照组79.7％±0.5％;P<0.01),MFA能抑制这一水肿(80.9％±0.9％,vs再灌组P<0.01).再灌组的CK含量下降明显(4.7±1.4 vs对照组8.4±1.2 U/mg protein,P<0.01),MFA能减少这下降(7.2±1.1 U/mg protein vs再灌组P<0.01).再灌组能引起脂质过氧化物MDA含量的增加(2.3±0.5vs对照组1.5±0.4 nmol/mg protein,P<0.01和SOD的减少(3.1±1.6vs对照组10.5±3.9U/mg protein P<0.01),而MFA则抑制MDA的升高(1.6±0.4 nmol/mg protein vs再灌组P<0.05),同时保护了SOD的活性(7.9±1.6 U/mg protein vs再灌组P<0.01). 结论:MFA能保护急性脑缺血再灌损伤,而此作用可能与保护内源性自由基清除系统、抑制脂质过氧化有关.     

Ameliorative effects of 7-methylcoumarin and 7-methoxycoumarin against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The available conventional remedies for the treatment of drug-induced liver diseases are highly inadequate and possess serious adverse effects; therefore, the development of new, effective drugs is considered necessary. This article explores the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of 7-methylcoumarin (MC) and 7-methoxycoumarin (MOC) in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. MC and MOC individually, at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, were administered orally once-daily for 7 days. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum bilirubin (TB), total protein (TP), and albumin (TA). Serum antioxidant enzyme [e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)] levels were determined. Also, thiobarbituric-acid–related substances (TBARS) levels, along with histopathological studies of liver tissue, were scrutinized. Pretreatment with MC and MOC significantly decreased ALT, AST, and TB in the serum of CCl₄-induced liver damaged rats in a dose-dependent manner. TA and TP levels in the serum were also restored significantly in all presupplemented MC and MOC groups. In addition, oxidative stress induced by CCl₄ was prevented significantly; thereby, increasing SOD and CAT levels and decreasing TBARS levels in liver homogenates. Histopathological studies revealed the ameliorative natures of both the compounds. This study demonstrates the strong hepatoprotective activity of MC and MOC, which could be attributed to their potent antioxidant effects.     

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Schisandra chinensis pollen extract on CCl4-induced acute liver damage in mice

The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant and hepatotective effects of Schisandra chinensis pollen extract (SCPE) on CCl₄-induced acute liver damage in mice. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, individual phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, chelating activity, and reducing power assay) were determined. In vivo study, SCPE (10, 20 and 40 g/kg) administered daily orally for 42 days prior to CCl₄-intoxicated. Our results showed that SCPE had high total phenolic content (53.74 ± 1.21 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (38.29 ± 0.91 mg Rutin/g), quercetin and hesperetin may be the major contributor to strong antioxidant activities. Moreover, SCPE significantly prevented the increase in serum ALT and AST level in acute liver damage induced by CCl₄, decreased the extent of malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in liver and elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in liver. The results indicated that SCPE has strong antioxidant activities and significant protective effect against acute hepatotoxicity induced by CCl₄, and have been supported by the evaluation of liver histopathology in mice. The hepatoprotective effect may be related to its free radical scavenging effect, increasing antioxidant activity and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.     

Alleviation of cell damage in experimental ANP in rats by administration of chondroitin-sulfate reduces

In order to explore the effects of retrograde infusion of chondroitin-sulfate via the pancreatic duct on cytoprotection and attenuation of oxidative damage during acute necrotic pancreatitis (ANP), male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: A, B (experimental groups) and C (sham operation, control group). The rats in group A was subjected to retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate via the pancreatic duct, and those in group B received chondroitin-sulfate therapy after ANP induction. All rats in three groups were killed at 6 h. The levels of malondialdehyde (MAD), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and serum amylase (SAM) were measured. The morphologic changes in pancreatic tissues were observed. It was found that the level of SAM was increased in group A and group B, with corresponding pathological changes of ANP. The levels of ATP, GSH and SOD in group A were decreased markedly and MDN increased significantly as compared with those in group B (P<0.01). In group B, the histopathologic damage was attenuated to a certain extent in comparison to that in group A. It was concluded that endogenous antioxidants were significantly reduced and lipid peroxidation increased during ANP. Retrograde infusion of chondroitin-sulfate via pancreatic duct could alleviate the pancreatic cell damage as a sort of scavengers of oxygen free radicals. Translated from J Chin Med Univ, 2006, 35(3): 297–298, 301 [译自: 中国医科大学学报]     

Ameliorative and antioxidant effects of myrtle berry seed (Myrtus communis) extract during reflux-induced esophagitis in rats

Context Myrtle, Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae), is a medicinal plant well known for its richness in phenolic compounds and its beneficial effects for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Objective In the present work, the protective effect of the myrtle berry seed aqueous extract (MBSAE) against esophageal reflux (ER)-induced damage in esophagus mucosa as well as the mechanisms implicated was determined.

Materials and methods In this respect, adult male Wistar rats were used and divided into seven groups: Control, ER, ER?+?various doses of MBSAE, ER?+?famotidine or ER?+?gallic acid. The ER was induced and animals were per orally (p.o.) treated with MBSAE or reference molecules during 6 h. The phytochemical screening was determined using colourimetric analysis.

Results MBSAE is rich in total polyphenols and anthocyanins and exhibited an important in vitro antioxidant activity. In vivo, we firstly found that ER led to marked macroscopic and histopathological changes in esophagus. The results showed, also, that the ER was accompanied by a state of oxidative stress as assessed by an increase of lipid peroxidation, a decrease of the sulphhydryl groups and glutathione levels, as well as antioxidant enzyme activities depletion. MBSAE abrogated all morphological, histopathological and biochemical alterations. We showed also that ER increased esophageal calcium, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and free iron levels while MBSAE treatment protected against intracellular mediators deregulation.

Conclusion Our data suggest that MBSAE exerted a potential protective effect against ER-induced damage in rat esophagus, at least in part, due to its antioxidant properties.     

The pharmacokinetics and effects of a long-acting preparation of superoxide dismutase (PC-SOD) in man

AIM

To study the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and tolerability of single rising doses up to 80 mg of superoxide dismutase covalently linked to lecithin (PC-SOD) in healthy White volunteers.

METHODS

This double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-period cross-over study was performed in eight healthy volunteers (four male/four female). Three doses of PC-SOD (20, 40 and 80 mg) and placebo were administered intravenously in randomized order. Serum and urinary PC-SOD concentrations were measured predose and up to 96 h after dosing. In addition to standard safety measurements, the urinary excretion of N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, α-glutathione S-transferase (α-GST) and π-GST was measured to evaluate renal function. The PK of PC-SOD was analysed using noncompartmental and compartmental methods.

RESULTS

All treatments were well tolerated, and no obvious relationship between adverse events and treatment was observed. No effects of PC-SOD on renal function could be detected. Dose normalized C_max and AUC were not different between the different dosages, indicating linearity of plasma concentrations with dose. Estimated PC-SOD clearance was 2.54 ml min⁻¹[95% confidence interval (CI) 2.07, 2.83]. The terminal half-life was estimated to be 1.54 days (95% CI 0.93, 2.15). SOD activity was elevated above baseline for 19 ± 6 h after the 80-mg dose.

CONCLUSIONS

Single intravenous administrations of PC-SOD in doses up to 80 mg were well tolerated in healthy White male and female volunteers. With the doses used, SOD activity was linearly related to the dose; after the 80-mg dose it was present for an appreciable period. These findings suggest that it is worthwhile to investigate PC-SOD in clinical conditions characterized by a high radical overload.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Reactive oxygen species (ROS), like superoxide anion, play an important role in different disease states.
• Superoxide dismutase (SOD) acts as a free radical scavenger by catalysing the dismutation of superoxide.
• Over the last decade, therapeutic use of SOD has been explored, but the results of these experiments have indicated that this has been of limited value, probably due to unfavourable pharmaceutical characteristics of the compounds.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Single intravenous administrations of PC-SOD (SOD covalently linked to lecithin) in doses up to 80 mg was well tolerated and biologically active for a period of 19 ± 6 h in healthy White volunteers.
• This suggests that PC-SOD has pharmaceutically appropriate characteristics and may be a possible protective agent for patients in clinical conditions characterized by acute high radical overload.

     

黄精通过氧化应激和线粒体凋亡途径保护CCl4诱导的大鼠急性肝损伤

研究黄精(Polygonatum sibiricum,PS)对CCl4诱导的大鼠肝损伤的保护作用及其抗氧化机制.采用一次性腹腔注射50％四氯化碳油溶液建立大鼠急性肝损伤模型,用黄精水提物(PSAE)灌胃治疗,水飞蓟素作为阳性对照药物,连续7天.PSAE显著降低了血清丙氨酸转氨酶、天冬氨酸转氨酶和碱性磷酸酶(AST、AL...     

Potential antioxidant properties and hepatoprotective effects of an aqueous extract formula derived from three Chinese medicinal herbs against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats

The hepatoprotective effects of an aqueous extract formula (AEF) derived from Artemisia capillaris, Lonicera japonica and Silybum marianum (ratio 1:1:1) were evaluated by its antioxidant properties and its attenuation of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in rats. The antioxidant analyses revealed that the AEF showed higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities as well as ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) compared with the individual herbs, suggesting a synergism in antioxidation between the three herbs. The animal experiments showed that the CCl₄ treatment increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, but decreased triglyceride (TG) and glutathione (GSH) levels as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. However, AEF administration can successfully lower serum ALT and AST activities, restore the GSH level, ameliorate or restore GPx and CAT activities as well as improve SOD action depending on AEF dosage. Histological examination of liver showed that CCl₄ increased the extent of bile duct proliferation, necrosis, fibrosis and fatty vacuolation throughout the liver, but AEF can improve bile duct proliferation, vacuolation and fibrosis, and restore necrosis. The present study demonstrated the hepatoprotective potential of AEF as an alternative to the traditional silymarin.     

Antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective property of leaf extracts of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn against acetaminophen-induced liver damage in rats

Extracts of Boerhaavia diffusa leaves were evaluated for antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties in the acetaminophen-induced liver damage model. Antioxidative evaluation of ethanolic extract gave total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, vitamin C content and vitamin E content and the levels of selenium and zinc as 6.6 ± 0.2 mg/g tannic acid equivalent, 0.092 ± 0.003 mg/g quercetin equivalent, 0.21 ± 0.03 mg/g, 0.054 ± 0.002 mg/g, 0.52 ± 0.05 ppm and 9.28 ± 0.16 ppm, respectively. The DPPH scavenging capacity and the reductive potential were 78.32 ± 2.41% and 0.65 ± 0.02 mg/g ascorbic acid, respectively. Pretreatment with aqueous and ethanolic extracts decreased the activities of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and the level of bilirubin in the serum that were elevated by acetaminophen. The two extracts also ameliorated the elevation in the activities of the enzymes in the liver. Acetaminophen intoxication led to reduction in serum and liver albumin levels which were not significantly increased by pretreatment with the extracts. The extracts also protected against acetaminophen induced lipid peroxidation. These results indicated that leaf extracts from B. diffusa possess hepatoprotective property against acetaminophen-induced liver damage which may be mediated through augmentation of antioxidant defenses.     

Phytochemical,antioxidant and protective effect of cactus cladodes extract against lithium-induced liver injury in rats

Context: Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (Castaceae) (cactus) is used in Tunisian medicine for the treatment of various diseases.

Objective: This study determines phytochemical composition of cactus cladode extract (CCE). It also investigates antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of CCE against lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃)-induced liver injury in rats.

Materials and methods: Twenty-four Wistar male rats were divided into four groups of six each: a control group given distilled water (0.5?mL/100?g b.w.; i.p.), a group injected with Li₂CO₃ (25?mg/kg b.w.; i.p.; corresponding to 30% of the LD₅₀) twice daily for 30 days, a group receiving only CCE at 100?mg/kg of b.w. for 60 days and then injected with distilled water during the last 30 days of CCE treatment, and a group receiving CCE and then injected with Li₂CO₃ during the last 30 days of CCE treatment. The bioactive components containing the CCE were identified using chemical assays.

Results: Treatment with Li₂CO₃ caused a significant change of some haematological parameters including red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), haemoglobin content (Hb), haematocrit (Ht) and mean corpuscular volume (VCM) compared to the control group. Moreover, significant increases in the levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were observed in the blood of Li₂CO₃-treated rats. Furthermore, exposure to Li₂CO₃ significantly increased the LPO level and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in the hepatic tissues.

Conclusion: CCE possesses a significant hepatoprotective effect.     

Hepatoprotective effect of cold-pressed Syzygium aromaticum oil against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Contexts: Exposure to environmental pollutants such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) causes liver injuries. There are claims that extracts from Syzygium aromaticum (Linn.) Merrill & L.M.Perry, (Myrtaceae) protects from such injuries.

Objective: This study investigates the protective effects of cold-pressed S. aromaticum oil (CO) against CCl₄-induced liver toxicity in rats.

Materials and methods: CO was orally administered to rats in two doses (100 and 200?mg/kg) along with CCl₄ (1 mL/kg in olive oil) for 8 weeks. Indices of liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, and peroxidation were evaluated in rats’ serum and tissues. Fatty acids and bioactive lipids of CO were analyzed.

Results: High levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (39.7%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (42.1%) were detected in CO. The oil contained high amounts of tocols and phenolics. The LD₅₀ value at 24 h was approximately 5950?mg/kg. Treatment with 200?mg/kg CO resulted in a decrease of creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels to 0.86, 32.6, and 2.99?mg/dL, respectively. Levels of TL, TC, TAG, LDL-C, and VLDL-C were decreased to 167, 195.3, 584.5, 74.6, and 39.0?mg/L, respectively, after 8 weeks of treatment. Hepatic malondialdehyde levels were reduced and glutathione levels were elevated in CO-treated rats. CO reduced the activities of AST, ALT, and ALP as well as kidney function markers, protein, and lipid profiles, respectively. Histopathological examination of liver indicated that CO treatment reduced fatty degenerations, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and necrosis.

Conclusion: CO possessed a protective effect against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, mediated possibly by the antioxidant properties of the oil.     

糖尿病大鼠肾脏抗氧化防御系统机能的改变

目的：探讨糖尿病对肾脏抗氧化防御机能的影响。方法：观察12周糖尿病大鼠肾皮质丙二醛(MDA)及谷胱甘肽(GSH)水平,以及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-PX)、谷胱甘肽S转移酶(GSH-ST)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性的变化。结果：糖尿病大鼠肾组织中SOD、CAT活性下降;GSH含量显著降低;MDA没有变化;GSH-PX活性却明显增强。结论：糖尿病大鼠肾组织抗氧化防御机能明显下降。     

Protective effects of erdosteine against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in rats

The usefulness of doxorubicin (DXR) is limited by its cardiotoxicity. In order to improve future DXR therapy by using a new antioxidant agent, an experimental study was designed. This study was undertaken to determine whether DXR-induced cardiotoxicity is prevented by erdosteine, a mucolytic agent showing antioxidant properties. Three groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats (60 days old) were used: one group was untreated as a control; the other groups were treated with DXR (single i.p. dosage of 20 mg kg(-1) body wt.) or DXR plus erdosteine (10 mg kg(-1) day(-1), orally), respectively. The DXR treatment without erdosteine increased antioxidant enzyme activities and also increased lipid peroxidation in myocardial tissue. The rats treated with DXR plus erdosteine produced a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation in comparison with control and DXR groups. Furthermore, erdosteine administration led to an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities in comparison with the control group. Erdosteine treatment also increased the activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in comparison with the DXR group. There was no significant difference in lipid peroxidation of myocardial tissue between control and DXR plus erdosteine-treated rats. It was concluded that erdosteine caused an increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, especially GSH-Px and CAT, protecting the heart tissue sufficiently from oxidative damage to membrane lipids and other cellular components induced by DXR.     

Gastroprotective effect of standardized leaf extract from Careya arborea on experimental gastric ulcers in rats

Context: The leaf of Careya arborea Roxb. (Lecthidaceae) has been advocated in Ayurveda for the treatment of various disorders, including ulcers, healing of wounds and several skin diseases.

Objective: The 70% ethanol (EtOH) extract of C. arborea leaves (CALE) was investigated for its gastroprotective effect in different gastric ulcer models.

Materials and methods: CALE (100, 200, and 400?mg/kg body weight) was administered orally, twice daily for 5?d, for preventing aspirin (ASP)-, EtOH-, pylorus ligation (PL)-, and cold restraint stress (CRS)-induced ulcer in rats. The status of the antioxidant enzymes in CRS-induced ulcers, H⁺K⁺ATPase activity, gastric wall mucous in EtOH-induced ulcer, and gastric secretion parameters were estimated in the PL-induced ulcer model.

Results: CALE exhibited significant (p?<?0.01) dose-dependent inhibition of ulcer index in ASP 12.90–51.61%, EtOH 11.97–40.35%, PL 28.63–63.92%, and CRS 38.30–66.37%, respectively. A significant (p?<?0.001) decrease occurred in the level of H⁺K⁺ATPase, volume of gastric juice, and acid output. Simultaneously, the level of gastric wall mucus was increased significantly (p?<?0.05). The antioxidant enzyme levels of LPO and SOD were decreased with concomitant increase in catalase activity in CRS-induced ulcers. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) showed the presence of quercetin, ellagic acid, and gallic acid (0.31%, 0.24%, and 0.71% w/w, respectively) in CALE.

Conclusions: Our results show that C. arborea possesses significant gastro-protective activity, probably due to its free radical scavenging activity, and validate the folklore claim.     

Hepatoprotection of emodin and Polygonum multiflorum against CCl4-induced liver injury

Context: Polygonum multiflorum is known as a medicinal plant. It has been used as a folk medicine which showed antioxidative property.

Objective: Protective effects of the water extracts (w/v:1/10) from fresh P. multiflorum (WEP) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in rats were investigated.

Materials and methods: CCl₄ was used for inducing liver damage of SD rats, and WEP and emodin were fed for eight consecutive weeks.

Results: We found that emodin levels in fresh WEP was higher than that in ripening WEP. Rats were administered WEP and emodin, the main active compound, for 56 consecutive days. WEP significantly lowered the serum levels of hepatic enzyme markers, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and reduced the generation of malonaldehyde. Treatment with WEP recovered glutathione S-transferase and catalase activity in rats as compared to treatment with CCl₄ alone. In addition, serum tumor necrosis factor-α, an inflammatory marker, was found to decrease in rats treated with WEP. In histopathological evaluation, fatty degeneration and necrosis were found to be significantly decreased in the CCl₄ plus WEP treatment group.

Discussion and conclusion: WEP may be effective in attenuating liver damage by reducing lipid peroxidation as well as by positively modulating inflammation.