The main objective of this study was to investigate the
hepatoprotective
potency of the Pleurospermum candollei methanol extract against CCl4-induced liver damage in
rats. HPLC technique was used to estimate the presence of polyphenols
in the methanol extract of P. candollei (PCM), while proximate analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates,
lipids, and moisture in the extract. The antioxidant potential of
PCM was evaluated by 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing
power assay, which showed a high percentage of inhibition against
free radicals. Hepatotoxicity was induced by carbon tetrachloride
(CCl4). CCl4 administration reduced the activity
of endogenous antioxidants, whereas it increased the production of
nitrites and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in rats.
Furthermore, the level of hepatic markers in serum was also elevated
after CCl4 administration. Moreover, the expression of
stress-related markers, proinflammatory mediators, and apoptotic genes
was enhanced in CCl4-treated rats. Coadministration of
PCM along with CCl4 in rats reduced the levels of free
radicals and the above genes to normal levels. CCl4 administration
caused histopathological alterations in liver tissues, while cotreatment
with PCM mitigated liver injuries. These findings suggest that the
methanol extract of P. candollei possesses
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can prevent liver
injury. Further pharmacological research will be helpful in determining
the effectiveness of P. candollei in
humans. Development of FDA-approved plant-based anti-inflammatory
drugs can help treat patients and reduce the chances of toxicity.
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