Natural Dietary Pigments: Potential Mediators against Hepatic Damage Induced by Over-The-Counter Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Drugs

Abstract

Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are among the most widely prescribed and purchased drugs around the world. Most analgesics, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen, are metabolized in the liver. The hepatocytes are responsible for drug metabolism and detoxification. Cytochrome P450 enzymes are phase I enzymes expressed mainly in hepatocytes and they account for ≈75% of the metabolism of clinically used drugs and other xenobiotics. These metabolic reactions eliminate potentially toxic compounds but, paradoxically, also result in the generation of toxic or carcinogenic metabolites. Cumulative or overdoses of OTC analgesic drugs can induce acute liver failure (ALF) either directly or indirectly after their biotransformation. ALF is the result of massive death of hepatocytes induced by oxidative stress. There is an increased interest in the use of natural dietary products as nutritional supplements and/or medications to prevent or cure many diseases. The therapeutic activity of natural products may be associated with their antioxidant capacity, although additional mechanisms may also play a role (e.g., anti-inflammatory actions). Dietary antioxidants such as flavonoids, betalains and carotenoids play a preventive role against OTC analgesics-induced ALF. In this review, we will summarize the pathobiology of OTC analgesic-induced ALF and the use of natural pigments in its prevention and therapy.

Cinnamon oil against acetaminophen-induced acute liver toxicity by attenuating inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis

“…Liver is involved in the metabolism of various drugs, chemicals, xenobiotics and their elimination. These substances may induce liver damage by encouraging free radical generation [ 1 ], which leads to impaired liver function [ 2 ]. In Western countries, toxins and drugs are the main causes of liver related disorders [ 3 ].…”

The Ovotransferrin-Derived Peptide IRW Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses

“…The unavoidable side effects of synthetic drugs have increased interest in the identification of novel bioactive food components [9, 10]. Many compounds, such as bioactive peptides obtained from foods, are thought to harbour multiple bioactive qualities, including anticarcinogenic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities [11].…”

Physicochemical Composition, Antioxidant Profile and Anticancer Potentialities of Chico (<em>Pachycereus Weberi</em>) and Jiotilla (<em>Escontria Chiotilla</em>) Fruits Extract

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