Hepatoprotective effects of Solanum nigrum Linn extract against CCl(4)-induced oxidative damage in rats.
Solanum nigrum L. (SN) is an herbal plant that has been used as hepatoprotective and anti-inflammation agent in Chinese medicine. In this study, the protective effects of water extract of SN (SNE) against liver damage were evaluated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced chronic hepatotoxicity in rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were orally fed with SNE (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 g kg(-1) bw) along with administration of CCl4 (20% CCl4/corn oil; 0.5 mL kg(-1) bw) for 6 weeks. The results showed that the treatment of SNE significantly lowered the CCl4-induced serum levels of hepatic enzyme markers (GOT, GPT, ALP, and total bilirubin), superoxide and hydroxyl radical. The hepatic content of GSH, and activities and expressions of SOD, GST Al, and GST Mu that were reduced by CCl4 were brought back to control levels by the supplement of SNE. Liver histopathology showed that SNE reduced the incidence of liver lesions including hepatic cells cloudy swelling, lymphocytes infiltration, hepatic necrosis, and fibrous connective tissue proliferation induced by CCl4 in rats. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that SNE could protect liver against the CCl4-induced oxidative damage in rats, and this hepatoprotective effect might be contributed to its modulation on detoxification enzymes and its antioxidant and free radical scavenger effects.
Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Hui-Mei
HM
Lin
Hsien-Chun
HC
Tseng
Chau-Jong
CJ
Wang
Jin-Jin
JJ
Lin
Chia-Wen
CW
Lo
Fen-Pi
FP
Chou
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction / Q000187:drug effects; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000097:blood; D032324:Solanum nigrum / Q000737:chemistry*
D000975:Antioxidants; D015415:Biomarkers; D010936:Plant Extracts; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride