Hepatoprotective Activity of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Seedpod Extract Attenuated Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Abstract

The aim is to investigate the effect of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) seedpod extract (LSE) on acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity. LSE is rich in polyphenols and has potent antioxidant capacity. APAP is a commonly used analgesic, while APAP overdose is the main reason for drug toxicity in the liver. Until now, there has been no in vitro test of LSE in drug-induced hepatotoxicity responses. LSEs were used to evaluate the effect on APAP-induced cytotoxicity, ROS level, apoptotic rate, and molecule mechanisms. The co-treatment of APAP and LSEs elevated the survival rate and decreased intracellular ROS levels on HepG2 cells. LSEs treatment could significantly reduce APAP-induced HepG2 apoptosis assessed by DAPI and Annexin V/PI. The further molecule mechanisms indicated that LSEs decreased Fas/FasL binding and reduced Bax and tBid to restore mitochondrial structure and subsequently suppress downstream apoptosis cascade activation. These declines in COX-2, NF-κB, and iNOS levels were observed in co-treatment APAP and LSEs, which indicated that LSEs could ameliorate APAP-induced inflammation. LSE protected APAP-induced apoptosis by preventing extrinsic, intrinsic, and JNK-mediated pathways. In addition, the restoration of mitochondria and inflammatory suppression in LSEs treatments indicated that LSEs could decrease oxidative stress induced by toxic APAP. Therefore, LSE could be a novel therapeutic option for an antidote against overdose of APAP.

An Updated Review on Nelumbo Nucifera Gaertn: Chemical Composition, Nutritional Value and Pharmacological Activities

“…[185] Further seed extract of N. nucifera Gaertn also gives better hepatoprotective and antioxidative activity. [186] This study suggested that the plant extract has the potential to reduce hepatic illness by modulating the signalling pathway, inflammatory factors and reactive oxygen species.…”

Biological Characterization of Cleome felina L.f. Extracts for Phytochemical, Antimicrobial, and Hepatoprotective Activities in Wister Albino Rats

“…In the present scenario, paracetamol (PC), known as N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (acetaminophen), acts as an analgesic and antipyretic drug, and is highly consumed. Moreover, the overdose of PC drug by humans or experimental animals will result in an increase of oxidative stress that induces lipid peroxidation and causes toxicity to hepatic cells [9]. However, various endogenous resistance mechanisms will operate to scavenge ROS to limit undesired cellular damage, but this protection might not be complete; hence, the additional foreign resistance in the form of dietary antioxidants will help to cure excessive cellular damage that was caused by excessive formation of ROS [10,11].…”

Middle Miocene lotus (Nelumbonaceae, Nelumbo) from the Qaidam Basin, Northern Tibet Plateau

“…and Nelumbo lutea Willd. N. nucifera is distributed in East, South and Southeast Asia and North Australia [ 47 ], with pink or white tepals, whereas N. lutea is found in Central and North America with pale yellow tepals [ 36 ]. In addition, the central disc of N. nucifera leaves is shallowly lobed while that of N. lutea leaves is deeply lobed, an important distinguishing feature between the two species.…”