Hepatoprotective effects of Astragalus kahiricus root extract against ethanol-induced liver apoptosis in rats.
10.1016/S1875-5364(13)60052-7
- Author:
Rasha M ALLAM
1
;
Dina A SELIM
;
Asser I GHONEIM
;
Mohamed M RADWAN
;
Salwa M NOFAL
;
Amani E KHALIFA
;
Ola A SHARAF
;
Soad M TOAIMA
;
Aya M ASAAD
;
Nadia A EL-SEBAKHY
Author Information
1. Pharmacology Department, Medical Division, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Apoptosis;
Astragalus kahiricus;
Cycloartane triterpenes;
Fabaceae;
Hepatoprotective;
Rats
- MeSH:
Animals;
Apoptosis;
drug effects;
Astragalus Plant;
chemistry;
Caspase 3;
metabolism;
Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury;
drug therapy;
genetics;
physiopathology;
prevention & control;
DNA Fragmentation;
drug effects;
Ethanol;
toxicity;
Female;
Humans;
Liver;
cytology;
drug effects;
enzymology;
Plant Extracts;
administration & dosage;
Plant Roots;
chemistry;
Protective Agents;
administration & dosage;
Rats;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- From:
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.)
2013;11(4):354-361
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol extract of Astragalus kahiricus (Fabaceae) roots against ethanol-induced liver apoptosis was evaluated and it showed very promising hepatoprotective actions through different mechanisms. The extract counteracted the ethanol-induced liver enzymes leakage and glutathione depletion. In addition, it demonstrated anti-apoptotic effects against caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation that were confirmed by liver histopathological examination. Moreover, the phytochemical study of this extract led to the isolation of four cycloartane-type triterpenes identified as astrasieversianin II (1), astramembrannin II (2), astrasieversianin XIV (3), and cycloastragenol (4). The structures of these isolates were established by HRESI-MS and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The antimicrobial, antimalarial, and cytotoxic activities of the isolates were further evaluated, but none of them showed any activity.