Drynaria quercifolia suppresses paracetamol‑induced hepatotoxicity in mice by inducing Nrf-2

Abstract

Paracetamol is a popular and safe drug preferred by victims of pain or pyrexia; however, its overdose or abuse is a growing concern worldwide. Here the hepatoprotective effect of an ethnomedicinal plant Drynaria quercifolia against paracetamol-induced toxicity in murine model is demonstrated. This fern, native to tropical countries including the Northeast India, is used by local tribes to treat infl ammatory conditions. Paracetamol 500 mg/kg body weight was orally administered on alternate days for a period of 21days to mimic a chronic overdose. Drynaria quercifolia acetone extract (DQA) treatment interspaced with paracetamol signifi cantly decreased serum biomarkers of hepatotoxicity (ALT, AST and ALP) renal toxicity (urea, creatinine), lipid peroxidation level, histological damage in liver and kidney. The protein and mRNA expressions of the transcription factor, Nrf2, and its target antioxidant genes (SOD1, CAT and GST) as well as activities of these antioxidant enzymes were downregulated by paracetamol administration but signifi cantly recovered following the DQA treatment (Tab.

In Vitro Antioxidant and In Vivo Hepatoprotective Properties of Wissadula periplocifolia Extract

“…So, it can be used as a good way for the screening of hepatoprotective activity in paracetamol-induced liver injury. Paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity has been attributed to the formation of toxic metabolites as well as elevation of different biological markers such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin and reduction of serum protein, which are the results of the damage of the cellular integrity of the liver. – Toxic metabolites such as N -acetyl- p -benzoquineimine (NAPQI) can lead to extensive lipid peroxidation by oxidizing liver intracellular GHS rapidly together with irreversible modification of cellular protein, cell death and ultimately organ damage. , Reactive metabolites can exert initial cell stress through a wide range of mechanisms including depletion of glutathione (GSH) or binding to enzymes, lipids, nucleic acids, and other cell structures . Therefore, the aim of the study has been focused on the hepatoprotective activities of the ethanolic extract of WP on paracetamol-induced hepatic toxicity in experimental rats.…”