New insights into the effects of formulation type and compositional mixtures on the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of dietary supplements based-on hepatoprotective plants

Abstract

Artichoke (A), borututu (B) and milk thistle (M) are included in several supplements to provide beneficial effects. Different formulations (infusions, pills and syrups), with different proportions of A, B and M (1 : 1 : 1, 2 : 1 : 1, 1 : 2: 1, 1 : 1 : 2) within each formulation, were assayed to optimize the desired benefits. The antioxidant activity, anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity, hepatotoxicity and bioactive compound contents were evaluated. Syrups tended to be the formulation with highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic and flavonoid content; otherwise, pills were the worst formulation. In what concerns A : B : M ratios, the results did not reveal so pronounced differences. None of the assayed mixtures resulted to be toxic (up to the maximum assayed dose) for liver primary cells (PLP2), but some samples, especially infusions, showed toxicity for the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2). With no exception, the mixtures for all formulations showed synergistic effects on antioxidant activity, when compared to the activity of single plants.

Phytopharmacologic preparations as predictors of plant bioactivity: A particular approach to Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench antioxidant properties

“…In the present study, the hydroalcoholic extract of the fresh aerial parts of E. purpurea combination; furthermore, and apart from that the syrup presented the highest antioxidant potential, followed by infusion preparation and then pills, it was the infusion preparation that provided the most pronounced toxic effects on hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG2) [56]. It means that probably other interfering factors, such as excipients, can exert significant modulatory effects and, therefore, while in the infusion preparation the bioactive molecules are free and able to exert their biological activity, they can be linked with other chemical constituents in phytopharmacological preparations (such as syrup and pills).…”

Natural Products for the Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Comprehensive Review

“…But the administration of the greater dosage (1g/kg) led to a potentially dangerous level of MDA [195,196]. In fact, current research has shown that the administration of large doses of antioxidants does not always have a positive impact, which could result in genotoxic effects [197,198].…”

Experimental Studies of the Effect of Schisandrachinensis Extract on the State of Adaptive Capabilities of Rats under Chronic and General Exposure to Cold

“…Thus, bioflavonoids increase the supply of vitamin C to the body. The total amount of P-active compounds in Schisandra fruits is 100 mg/100 g [13,14].…”

“…Oxidation of catechins is especially intense in the presence of oxidative enzymes, which explains the rapid browning of freshly squeezed juice. They contain from 50 to 150 mg/100 g [13,14].…”