Ameliorative effect of oregano (Origanum vulgare) versus silymarin in experimentally induced hepatic encephalopathy

Abstract

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a deterioration of brain function in patients suffering from chronic liver disease, cirrhosis as a result of elevated blood ammonia and the production of pseudo-neurotransmitters. Herein, we investigated the chemical composition of hexane extract from Origanum vulgare (O. vulgare) leaves as well as its possible protective effects against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced HE in rats. GC–MS analysis of the extract revealed tentative identification of twenty-five compounds (82.93%), predominated by cholesten-3-one (27.30%), followed by γ-tocopherol (13.52%), α-tocopherol (5.01%), β-amyrin (5.24%) and α-amyrin (4.89%). Albino rats were distributed into seven groups (n = 7). G1 served as negative control; G2 and G3 served as controls treated with O. vulgare (100 and 200 mg/kg/p.o b.w, respectively); G4 served as TAA-positive control group (100 mg/kg/day/i.p., three alternative days per week for six weeks); G5, G6, and G7 served as TAA -induced HE rat model that received O. vulgare 100, O. vulgare 200, and silymarin (100 mg/kg of SILY, as standard drug), respectively. TAA showed depressive and anxiety-like behaviors in forced swimming test (FST) and reduction of cognitive score in elevated plus-maze test (EPMT) as well as impairment of locomotor and exploratory activities in open-field test (OFT). TAA caused a significant decline in body weight gain; however, the relative liver weight and brain water content were statistically increased. TAA-intoxicated rats showed significant increase of serum biomarker enzymes, proinflammatory cytokines, blood ammonia levels, brain serotonin, acetyl cholinesterase and cellular lipid peroxidation with significant decrease of brain dopamine, norepinephrine, antioxidant status. The hepatoprotective/neuro-protective activities of O. vulgare was found to be comparable with that of SILY in HE rats model. Where, treatment of TAA-intoxicated rats with O. vulgare attenuated anxiety, depressive-related behaviors, and reduced the biochemical changes in HE-induced by TAA. Therefore, O. vulgare could be an excellent hepato-/neuroprotective against hepatic injury and HE via improving the oxidative/inflammatory status through its antioxidant and neuro-modulatory properties and its effect is equal to that of SILY.

Genus Pimenta: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Botany, Distribution, Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Biological Approaches

“…[44] Further, six flavonoids were isolated from the 80 % aqueous methanol extract of P. racemosa J.W. Moore leaves and identified as avicularin (19), quercetin 3-O-β-D-arabinopyranoside (20), quercetin 3-O-β-Dglucopyranoside (16), quercitrin (17), cynaroside (21), and quercetin (22). P. psuedocaryophyllus exhibits strong antioxidant ability due to a content of polyphenols (199.33 � 3.79 mg/g) & flavonoids (28.32 � 1.46 mg/g) such as rutin (23) which can be obtained from the ethanol extract.…”

Antioxidant and Pulmonary Protective Potential of Fraxinus xanthoxyloides Bark Extract against CCl4‐Induced Toxicity in Rats

“…[24][25][26] Therefore, the protective effects of natural antioxidants are currently drawing considerable attention in disease prevention. [17,[27][28][29] Different natural plant extracts and oils such as Moringa oleifera, Syzygium aromaticum and Rosmarinus officinalis showed hepatoprotective properties against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) and diclofenac sodium -induced liver injuries in rats. [30][31][32] Afghan ash is the trivial name of Fraxinus xanthoxyloides which belongs to Oleaceae.…”

“…Previous reports revealed that flavonoids can suppress transcription factors imperative for regulatory mediators involved in inflammation [24–26] . Therefore, the protective effects of natural antioxidants are currently drawing considerable attention in disease prevention [17,27–29] . Different natural plant extracts and oils such as Moringa oleifera , Syzygium aromaticum and Rosmarinus officinalis showed hepatoprotective properties against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) and diclofenac sodium ‐induced liver injuries in rats [30–32] …”

Anticancer Potential of the Plant‐Derived Saponin Gracillin: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanistic Approaches

“…[17][18][19] These studies have led to the development of plant-based medications. [20][21][22][23] In recent years, the use of phytochemicals derived from dietary components or traditional medicines to combat or prevent human diseases has received considerable public and scientific interest. [24][25][26][27][28] Natural compounds have demonstrated promising effects in the treatment of different kinds of cancer during the current stage of medication development.…”

“…The utilization of medicinal plants in healthcare dates back to ancient times, and different studies have been carried out worldwide to validate their efficacy [17–19] . These studies have led to the development of plant‐based medications [20–23] . In recent years, the use of phytochemicals derived from dietary components or traditional medicines to combat or prevent human diseases has received considerable public and scientific interest [24–28] .…”