Polysaccharides from Angelica and Astragalus exert hepatoprotective effects against carbon-tetrachloride-induced intoxication in mice

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of polysaccharide from Angelica and Astragalus (AAP) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage in mice. A total of 120 Kunming mice were randomly distributed among 6 groups comprising (i) the normal control mice, (ii) the CCl4 treatment group, (iii) the bifendate treatment group, (iv) the AAP treatment group, (v) the Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) treatment group, and (vi) the Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide (AMP) treatment group. AAP, ASP and AMP were administered to mice treated with CCl4. The activities of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in the serum, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver tissues were quantified, as well as the liver index. Hepatic histological changes were observed by staining liver sections with hematoxylin and eosin. Our results show that bifendate, AAP, ASP, and AMP significantly decreased the activities of MDA, AST, and ALT, and enhanced the activity of SOD in CCl4-treated mice. Bifendate, AAP, ASP, and AMP consistently ameliorated the liver injuries induced with CCl4. Notably, the hepatoprotective effect of AAP was stronger than that of bifendate, ASP, or AMP. In addition, AAP alleviated liver inflammation and decreased the liver indexes of mice induced with CCl4. These effects were at least partly due to the antioxidant properties of AAP in scavenging free radicals to ameliorate oxidative stress and to inhibit lipid peroxidation.

Extraction, Structure, and Pharmacological Activities of Astragalus Polysaccharides

“…These pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action of APS are listed in Table 2. Tumor-bearing mice; γδT cells 150 and 300 mg/kg Improved proliferation and function of intestinal intraepithelial γδT cells Sun et al [96] Hepatoprotective Chronic liver injury male SD rats 450 mg/kg Lowered the levels of serum ALT, AST, ALP, and hepatic MDA concentration; higher SOD, CAT activities, and GSH concentration Yan et al [97] Liver injury mice 100 mg/kg Anti-apoptosis pathway Liu et al [98] CCl 4 induced liver damage mice 1.0 g/kg Scavenge free radicals to ameliorate oxidative stress and to inhibit lipid peroxidation Pu et al [99] Note: SOD: Superoxide dismutase; GPT: Glutamate pyruvate transaminase; GOT: Glutamate oxalate transaminase; LDH: Lactate dehydrogenase; MDA: Malondialdehyde; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; NBT: Nitroblue tetrazolium; PT: Permeability transition; GSH-Px: Glutathione peroxidase; CAT: Catalase; AMPK/Mtor: Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin; HCMEC: Human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells; ER: T2DM: ER: Endoplasmic reticulum; T2DM: Type II diabetes mellitus; ALT: Alanine aminotransferase; AST: Aspartate transaminase; ALP: Alkaline phosphatase SD: Sprague-Dawley; BPD: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; HDF: Human diploid fibroblasts; CCl 4 : C arbon tetrachloride.…”

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“…The serum AST and ALT levels significantly decreased in the pre-and post-treatment groups of aqueous extract of P. pashia suggesting that it effectively ameliorates the hepatotoxicity induced by CCl 4 . Reduction in the AST and ALT levels indicates the stabilization of plasma membrane and restoration of hepatic tissue damages caused by CCl 4 .…”

Free Radicals, the Natural Antioxidant Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Ischemic Stroke

“…-), as well as protecting against excessive tissue damage due to oxidative stress. Studies show that mice fed with Astragalus extract had an increase in SOD activity in the blood and a decrease in MDA content in tissues [22,25] . Calycosin, an active ingredient isolated from Astragalus can protect against nerve injury caused by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion [26] .…”

“…The main chemical components of angelica root tail include phthalides, coumarins, flavonoids, polysaccharides and volatile oil compounds, many of which are associated with resistance to ischemic and hypoxic injury. These components have also been shown to decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) activity, enhance SOD activity and assist in reversing the damage caused by free radicals, protease activation and NO generation [22][23] . Astragalus is another component of BYHWD, which contains isoflavone, polysaccharides, and Huang Qidai as the main active ingredients [22,24] .…”

“…These components have also been shown to decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) activity, enhance SOD activity and assist in reversing the damage caused by free radicals, protease activation and NO generation [22][23] . Astragalus is another component of BYHWD, which contains isoflavone, polysaccharides, and Huang Qidai as the main active ingredients [22,24] . Astragalus also enhances SOD activity and improves the body's autoxidation performance by scavenging OFR, hydroxyl free radicals ( .…”