Effect of Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) extract on atorvastatin‐induced toxicity in C3A liver cells

Abstract

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) has various health benefits. Two case studies have associated chronic Rooibos consumption with conventional prescription medications, including atorvastatin (ATV), with hepatotoxicity. Statins act by inhibiting hydroxymethylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase, a rate‐limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. Although rare, statins are potentially hepatotoxic. The aim was to investigate interactions between aspalathin‐rich Rooibos extract GRT™ and ATV‐induced hepatotoxicity in C3A liver cells cultured with and without palmitate. Effects of co‐treatment of GRT + ATV on cell viability, oxidative stress, apoptosis, mitochondrial integrity, and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were assessed. Significantly increased ROS production was observed in cells exposed to ATV and palmitate. Combination therapy of GRT + ATV also showed significant increases in ROS production. Under palmitate‐treated conditions, ATV‐induced significant apoptosis which was not ameliorated by GRT + ATV co‐treatment. Despite studies purporting hepatoprotection from Rooibos, our study showed that GRT was unable to modulate ATV‐induced hepatotoxic effects in this model.

Pleiotropic use of Statins as non-lipid-lowering drugs

“…Statins can cause many side effects while treating various diseases. The side effects of statins include liver toxicity 65 , muscle toxicity 66 and neurotoxicity 67 , as well as the following: effects on coenzyme Q10 and the mitochondrial membrane 68 , 69 ; effects on isopentenyl and glycosylase, and effects on ion channel signaling 70 . The dysfunction of cellular metabolism further leads to various adverse effects.…”

Astragaloside IV Alleviates Atorvastatin-Induced Hepatotoxicity via AMPK/SIRT1 Pathway

“…For example, Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) extract has been reported to have hepatoprotective effects, so some scholars have paid attention to its role in ATO-induced hepatotoxicity [12]. Unfortunately, Rooibos extract cannot regulate ATO-induced hepatotoxicity [12]. This suggests that not all drugs with protective liver function can attenuate ATO-induced hepatotoxicity.…”

“…Currently, several studies are devoted to finding drugs that can reduce ATO-induced hepatotoxicity [12][13][14]. For example, Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) extract has been reported to have hepatoprotective effects, so some scholars have paid attention to its role in ATO-induced hepatotoxicity [12]. Unfortunately, Rooibos extract cannot regulate ATO-induced hepatotoxicity [12].…”