[Importance of dietary hydroxycinnamic acids in the therapy of liver fibrosis].
Medicinal treatment of liver fibrosis is still unsolved. According to literature data, plant extracts containing hydroxycinnamic acids inhibit experimentally induced liver fibrosis.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to provide data on the hydroxycinnamic acid content of medicinal plants, which can be applied in the adjuvant therapy of liver fibrosis.


METHODS
Content and composition of hydroxycinnamic acids from houseleek and seven known herbs were evaluated using spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography.


RESULTS
Hydroxycinnamic acid content was found to be high in Lamiaceae herbs, but it was lower in houseleek. Rosmarinic acid as the main compound was detected in all herb samples.


CONCLUSIONS
Besides hydroxycinnamic acids, houseleek contains high amounts of antioxidant polyphenols, and its pharmacological effect is presumed to be attributed to synergism of all of these compounds. The hydroxycinnamic acid content of the herbs investigated was remarkable, therefore, the results support their dietary application in patients with chronic liver disease.
Semmelweis Egyetem, Gyógyszerésztudományi Kar Farmakognózia Intézet Budapest Üllői út 26. 1085. alberti.agnes@pharma.semmelweis-univ.hu
Agnes
A
Alberti
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis; D002726:Chlorogenic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002934:Cinnamates / Q000032:analysis; D003373:Coumaric Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D053630:Depsides / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D019686:Lamiaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000178:diet therapy*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D059808:Polyphenols / Q000032:analysis; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D000097123:Rosmarinic Acid
D000975:Antioxidants; D002726:Chlorogenic Acid; D002934:Cinnamates; D003373:Coumaric Acids; D053630:Depsides; D010936:Plant Extracts; D059808:Polyphenols; D000097123:Rosmarinic Acid