Pleurospermum candollei Methanolic Extract Ameliorates CCl₄-Induced Liver Injury by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory, and Apoptotic Markers in Rats

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective potency of the Pleurospermum candollei methanol extract against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats. HPLC technique was used to estimate the presence of polyphenols in the methanol extract of P. candollei (PCM), while proximate analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, lipids, and moisture in the extract. The antioxidant potential of PCM was evaluated by 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power assay, which showed a high percentage of inhibition against free radicals. Hepatotoxicity was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). CCl4 administration reduced the activity of endogenous antioxidants, whereas it increased the production of nitrites and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in rats. Furthermore, the level of hepatic markers in serum was also elevated after CCl4 administration. Moreover, the expression of stress-related markers, proinflammatory mediators, and apoptotic genes was enhanced in CCl4-treated rats. Coadministration of PCM along with CCl4 in rats reduced the levels of free radicals and the above genes to normal levels. CCl4 administration caused histopathological alterations in liver tissues, while cotreatment with PCM mitigated liver injuries. These findings suggest that the methanol extract of P. candollei possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can prevent liver injury. Further pharmacological research will be helpful in determining the effectiveness of P. candollei in humans. Development of FDA-approved plant-based anti-inflammatory drugs can help treat patients and reduce the chances of toxicity.