The novel role of β-aescin in attenuating CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Context: β-Aescin has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and antiedematous properties.Objective: The present study investigated the hepatoprotective effect and underlying mechanisms of β-aescin in CCl4-induced liver damage.Materials and methods: Thirty-five Wistar rats were divided into six groups: normal control, CCl4 control, silymarin (50 mg/kg, p.o) and β-aescin (0.9, 1.8 and 3.6 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment for 14 d. CCl4 (1 mL/kg, i.p. for 3 d) was administered to produce hepatic damage. Ponderal changes and liver marker enzymes were estimated. Hepatic oxidative and nitrosative stress was estimated by levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH) and nitrite/nitrate. Serum TGF-β1 and TNF-α were estimated by ELISA technique. Hepatic collagen and histopathological studies were carried out.Results: β-Aescin (3.6 mg/kg) markedly decreased CCl4-induced increased levels of ALT, AST, ALP (71.77 versus 206.7, 71.39 versus 171.82, 121.20 versus 259 IU/L, respectively), total bilirubin (0.41 versus 1.35 mg/dL), TBARS (2.0 versus 8.83 nmol MDA/mg protein), nitrite/nitrate (352.50 versus 745.15 μg/mL) and increased CCl4-induced decreased GSH levels (0.095 versus 0.048 μmol/mg protein). β-Aescin (3.6 mg/kg) induced focal regenerative changes in liver and markedly decreased TBARS (2.0 versus 8.83 nmol MDA/mg protein), nitrite/nitrate (352.50 versus 745.15 μg/mL), TGF-β1 (92.28 versus 152.1 pg/mL), collagen content (110.75 versus 301.74 μmol/100 mg tissue) and TNF-α (92.82 versus 170.56 pg/mL) when compared with CCl4 control.Discussion and conclusion: The findings suggest that β-aescin has a protective effect on CCl4-induced liver injury, exhibited via its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antinitrosative and antifibrotic properties inducing repair regeneration of liver. Hence, it can be used as a promising hepatoprotective agent.

Curcuma Longa;

“…Our these findings are supported by previous studies. 25,26 Excellent results of hepatoprotection by CL has been noted in the present study. CL improved the histological architecture of liver.…”

Protective effect of dexpanthenol against cisplatin‑induced hepatotoxicity

“…A general consensus exists that NO behaves differently in physiological and pathological conditions. It is known that many hepatotoxic drugs and chemical substances increase hepatic NO production by inhibiting iNOS enzyme and are converted to peroxynitrite by reacting with NO's superoxide anion, causing hepatic injury via nitrous active stress ( 25 ). In this regard, our results do not overlap with the literature data.…”

Anti-Inflammatory and Gastroprotective Effects of Escin

“…Escin (1.8 or 3.6 mg/kg) can ameliorate liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride and endotoxin. 43,44 Escin can also reverse organophosphate-induced liver damage. Liver damage caused by either pmethylthiophosphate or methyl parathion is reduced after escin administration, which is related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.…”