RESUMO

Turnera is a genus of plants whose biological activity has been widely studied. The importance of this genus, particularly Turnera diffusa, as a source of treatment for various conditions is evidenced by the large number of new studies that have evaluated its biological activity. Accordingly, the objective of this review was to compile the information published in the last ten years concerning the biological activities reported for Turnera spp. The present work includes 92 publications that evaluate 29 bioactivities and toxicological and genotoxic information on five species of this genus. Among the pharmacological effects reported, the antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, and aphrodisiac activities seem more promising. Phytochemicals and standardized plant extracts could offer alternative therapeutic remedies for various diseases. Although several flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides, monoterpenoids, triterpenoids, and fatty acids have been isolated for Turnera plants, future research should focus on the identification of the main active principles responsible for these pharmacological activities, as well as to perform clinical trials to support the laboratory results.

RESUMO

Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) is an aromatic culinary herb. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is currently cultivated worldwide. In addition to its use as a condiment in food preparation and in teas, rosemary has been widely employed in folk medicine and cosmetics. Several beneficial effects have been described for rosemary, including antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Here, we investigated the mechanisms accounting for the antioxidant activity of the glycolic extract of R. officinalis (Ro) in isolated rat liver mitochondria (RLM) under oxidative stress conditions. We also investigated its protective effect against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo. A crude extract was obtained by fractionated percolation, using propylene glycol as a solvent due to its polarity and cosmeceutical compatibility. The quantification of substances with recognized antioxidant action revealed the presence of phenols and flavonoids. Dereplication studies carried out through LC-MS/MS and GC-MS, supported by The Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) platform, annotated several phenolic compounds, confirming the previous observation. In accordance, Ro decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) elicited by Fe2+ or t-BOOH and inhibited the lipid peroxidation of mitochondrial membranes in a concentration-dependent manner in RLM. Such an effect was also observed in liposomes as membrane models. Ro also prevented the oxidation of mitochondrial protein thiol groups and reduced glutathione (GSH). In model systems, Ro exhibited a potent scavenger activity toward 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and superoxide anions. It also demonstrated an Fe2+ chelating activity. Moreover, Ro did not exhibit cytotoxicity or dissipate the mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψ) in rat liver fibroblasts (BRL3A cells). To evaluate whether such antioxidant protective activity observed in vitro could also be achieved in vivo, a well-established model of hepatotoxicity induced by acute exposure to acetaminophen (AAP) was used. This model depletes GSH and promotes oxidative-stress-mediated tissue damage. The treatment of rats with 0.05% Ro, administered intraperitoneally for four days, resulted in inhibition of AAP-induced lipid peroxidation of the liver and the prevention of hepatotoxicity, maintaining alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) levels equal to those of the normal, non-treated rats. Together, these findings highlight the potent antioxidant activity of rosemary, which is able to protect mitochondria from oxidative damage in vitro, and effects such as the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects observed in vivo.

RESUMO

Chickpeas are rich sources of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids. However, the contribution of insoluble-bound phenolics to their antioxidant properties remains unclear. Four varieties of chickpeas were evaluated for the presence of soluble (free and esterified) and insoluble-bound phenolics as well as their antiradical activity, reducing power and inhibition of peroxyl-induced cytotoxicity in human HuH-7 cells. In general, the insoluble-bound fraction showed a higher total phenolic content. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids were identified and quantified by UPLC-MS/MS. Taxifolin was identified for the first time in chickpeas. However, m-hydroxybenzoic acid, taxifolin, and biochanin A were the main phenolics found. Biochanin A was mostly found in the free fraction, while m-hydroxybenzoic acid was present mainly in the insoluble-bound form. The insoluble-bound fraction made a significant contribution to the reducing power and antiradical activity towards peroxyl radical. Furthermore, all extracts decreased the oxidative damage of human HuH-7 cells induced by peroxyl radicals, thus indicating their hepatoprotective potential. This study demonstrates that the antioxidant properties and bioactive potential of insoluble-bound phenolics of chickpeas should not be neglected.

RESUMO

This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of Platonia insignis Mart. ("bacuri") seed butter (BSB) on oxidative stress and diabetes mellitus-related parameters in streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in female Wistar rats (180-250 g) by the intraperitoneal administration of STZ (45 mg/kg, b.w). BSB (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) was administered to animals for four weeks. The effect on weight gain, food intake, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, hepatic transaminases, plasma and liver TBARS and MPO activity, erythrocyte SOD activity, non-protein sulfhydryl groups (SH-NP), and histopathology of the liver tissue was investigated. BSB at the dose of 100 mg/kg had a positive effect on the reduction in glycated hemoglobin percentage and increased albumin concentration, as well as decreased ALT and AST levels and increased SH-NP liver levels in treated animals compared to normal control rats. Moreover, BSB had no effects on weight gain, food intake, and fasting glucose. Thus, the BSB presented marked properties in improvement of hepatic antioxidant defenses, which demonstrates BSB as a potential hepatoprotective agent in metabolic disorders.

RESUMO

SUMMARY Introduction: Carthamus oil is a compound that has the potential to be used in numerous applications due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects. Chromium picolinate has been indicated for the control of insulin resistance. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Carthamus oil (30 mg/kg) and chromium picolinate (5 µg/kg) interaction with oral glyburide in chemically diabetes-induced Wistar rats and its influence on drug therapy. Method: Diabetes mellitus was induced with streptozotocin, and the animals were randomized into experimental groups (n= 6/group), who received gastric gavage treatments for ten days, G1: control, G2: diabetic and received glyburide, G3: diabetic and received the interaction of Carthamus oil and chromium picolinate, G4: diabetic and received the interaction ofglyburide, Carthamus oil and chromium picolinate. After the treatment period, fasting blood glucose, post-sucrose blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in blood serum were compared, in addition to urine analysis. Results: In this study, the only altered parameters were the post-sucrose blood glucose measurement with the lowest result for G4 (P <0.05) and the ALT measurement, with lower values for G4 (P <0.05) compared to G1. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the unprecedented interaction of Carthamus oil, chromium picolinate and glyburide contributed to the reduction of blood glucose and serum levels of ALT in diabetic rats and is promising for future studies in humans.

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Introdução: o óleo de cártamo (Carthamus oil) tem sido utilizado em diversas aplicações devido suas ações antiinflamatória, antioxidante, imunomoduladora e neuro protetora. O picolinato de cromo tem sido indicado para o controle da resistência à insulina. Objetivo: avaliar o efeito da interação de óleo de cártamo (30 mg/kg) e picolinato de cromo (5 µg/kg) com glibenclamida em ratos com diabetes induzida. Metodologia: a indução de diabetes mellitus foi realizada com injeção intra-peritoneal de estreptozotocina e os animais foram aleatoriamente distribuidos em grupos experimentais (n= 6/grupo), que receberam os tratamentos por gavagem gástrica durante dez dias, G1: controle, G2: grupo diabético que recebeu gliben-clamida, G3: grupo diabético que recebeu óleo de cártamo e picolinato de cromo, G4: grupo diabético que recebeu glibenclamida, óleo de cártamo e picolinato de cromo. Após os dias de tratamento via oral, determinou-se o peso corpóreo, glicemia de jejum, colesterol total, triglicerideos, glicemia após uma hora de gavagem gástrica com sacarose, transaminases hepáticas e a avaliação da urina. Resultados: a análise estatistica dos dados indicou que os únicos parâmetros alterados foram a glicemia após a ingestão de sacarose, os menores valores obtidos foram em G4 (P <0.05) e a redução dos niveis séricos de ALT em G4 (P <0.05) quando comparados com G1. Conclusão: a interação inédita do óleo de cártamo, picolinato de cromo e glibencla-mida contribuiu para a redução da glicose sanguinea e dos niveis séricos de ALT em ratos diabéticos, é promissora para estudos futuros em humanos.

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Introducción: el aceite de cártamo (Carthamus oil) se ha utilizado en diversas aplicaciones debido a sus propiedades antiinflamatorias, antioxidantes, inmunomodu-ladoras y neuroprotectoras. El picolinato de cromo ha sido indicado para el control de la resistencia a la insulina. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de la interacción de aceite de cártamo (30 mg/kg) y picolinato de cromo (5 µg/kg) con glibenclamida en ratas con diabetes inducida. Metodología: la inducción de diabetes mellitus se realizó con inyección intraperitoneal de estreptozotocina y los animales se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en grupos experimentales (n= 6/grupo), los cuales recibieron tratamientos por sonda gástrica durante diez dias, G1: control, G2: grupo diabético que recibieron glibenclamida, G3: grupo diabético que recibió aceite de cártamo y picolinato de cromo, G4: grupo diabético que recibió glibenclamida, aceite de cártamo y picolinato de cromo. Después de los dias de tratamiento oral, se determinó peso corporal, glucosa en ayunas, colesterol total, triglicéridos, glucosa después de una hora de sonda gástrica con sacarosa, transaminasas hepáticas y evaluación de orina. Resultados: el análisis estadistico de los datos indicó que los únicos parámetros alterados fueron la glucosa en sangre después de la ingesta de sacarosa, los valores más bajos obtenidos fueron en G4 (P <0,05) y la reducción de los niveles séricos de ALT en G4 (P <0,05) cuando en comparación con G1. Conclusión: la interacción sin precedentes del aceite de cártamo, el picolinato de cromo y la glibenclamida contribuyó a la reducción de los niveles de glucosa en sangre y ALT sérica en ratas diabéticas, es prometedora para futuros estudios en humanos.

RESUMO

SUMMARY: The present study was aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of date palm hydroalcoholic extract (DP)in diabetic rats using biochemical and histopathological approaches. Diabetes was induced by administration of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin intraperitoneally. In this analysis 32 adult rats were randomly divided into four groups; group 1: non-diabetic control whic received 0.1 mL normal saline, group 2:served as non-diabetic control which treated with 270 mg/kg of DP, group 3: served as untreated diabetic, and group 4: diabetic rats treated with 270 mg/kg of DP. Diabetic rats treated with the DP extracts exhibited lower hepatic oxidative stress and lower hepatic enzymes level. Extract treatment decreased the level of malondealdehyde (MDA) as a marker of lipid peroxidation. Stereological estimations revealed a significant increase in the liver volume in diabetic rats which was reduced in DP-treated rats. Immunofluorescence staining showed high synthesis of acrolein as a byproduct of lipid proxidation. While, optical density measurement revealed significant decrease in acrolein after DP administration. Histopathological examination showed severe changes in untreated diabetic liver tissue manifested by dilated portal vein, leukocytic infiltration, fatty degeneration and necrotic nuclei, whereas, DP treatment attenuated the adverse effects of diabetes on the liver represented by relatively healthy hepatocytes and sinusoids. The obtained results indicated that date pam extract was beneficial in the prevention of diabetes-induced hepatotoxicity due to its natural antioxidant constituents. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed for considering this plant in management of prediabetes and diabetes hepatic complications.

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RESUMEN: El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los efectos hepatoprotectores del extracto hidroalcohólico (DP) de la palmera datilera en ratas diabéticas utilizando enfoques bioquímicos e histopatológicos. La diabetes fue inducida mediante la administración de 60 mg / kg de estreptozotocina por vía intraperitoneal. Se dividieron al azar 32 ratas adultas en cuatro grupos; grupo 1: control no diabético que recibió 0,1 mL de solución salina normal, grupo 2: control no diabético tratado con 270 mg / kg de DP, grupo 3: fue separado como diabético no tratado, y grupo 4: ratas diabéticas tratadas con 270 mg / kg de DP mg / kg de DP. Las ratas diabéticas tratadas con los extractos de DP mostraron menor estrés oxidativo hepático y menor nivel de enzimas hepáticas. El tratamiento con extracto disminuyó el nivel de malondealdehído (MDA) como marcador de la proxidación de lípidos. Las estimaciones estereológicas revelaron un aumento significativo en el volumen del hígado en ratas diabéticas que se redujo en las ratas tratadas con DP. La tinción por inmunofluorescencia mostró una alta síntesis de acroleína como subproducto de la proxidación de lípidos. Mientras que, la medición de la densidad óptica reveló una disminución significativa de la acroleína después de la administración de DP. El examen histopatológico mostró cambios significativos en el tejido hepático diabético no tratado manifestados por vena porta dilatada, infiltración leucocítica, degeneración grasa y núcleos necróticos, mientras que el tratamiento con DP atenuó los efectos adversos de la diabetes en el hígado representados por hepatocitos y sinusoides relativamente sanos. Los resultados obtenidos indicaron que el extracto de palmera datilera fue beneficioso en la prevención de la hepatotoxicidad inducida por diabetes debido a sus constituyentes antioxidantes naturales. Se necesitan más estudios clínicos para considerar esta planta en el manejo de la prediabetes y las complicaciones hepáticas de la diabetes.

Assuntos

Animais , Masculino , Ratos , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Complicações do Diabetes , Phoeniceae , Hepatopatias/etiologia , Hepatopatias/tratamento farmacológico , Acroleína , Imuno-Histoquímica , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Substâncias Protetoras/uso terapêutico , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos , Antioxidantes/uso terapêutico

RESUMO

Pain is a common and distressing symptom of many diseases and its clinical treatment generally involves analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. This study evaluated the toxicity of Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. (Aquifoliaceae) aqueous extract (leaves, petioles and branches) and its performance in a nociceptive response. Hepatotoxicity, psycho-stimulant test and evaluation of enzyme markers for liver damage were also tested. Chromatographic analysis by UPLC-MS demonstrated a series of isomeric monocaffeoylquinic acids, isomers of dicaffeoylquinic acid, flavonol glycosides, and saponins. Phase I and II of nociception were obtained for meloxicam, dexamethasone and aqueous Ilex paraguariensis extract. Ilex paraguariensis extract concentration was negatively correlated (R = -0.887) with alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.05) in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity test, indicating hepatoprotective activity of this extract. Ilex paraguariensis extract also presented analgesic properties equivalent to drugs that already have proven efficacy. Notably, the administration of multiple doses of Ilex paraguariensis extract was considered safe from the therapeutic point of view.

RESUMO

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chilean population relies on medicinal plants for treating a wide range of illnesses, especially those of the gastrointestinal system. Junellia spathulata (Gillies & Hook.) Moldenke var. spathulata (Verbenaceae), called as "verbena-azul-de-cordilleira", is a medicinal plant native to Argentina and Chile traditionally used for treating digestive disorders. Although the species of the genus are important as therapeutic resources for the Andean population, the plants are very scarcely studied. AIMS OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the present study was to find out the main constituents and investigate the protective effect of J. spathulata against oxidative stress induced by the potent oxidant 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) in human hepatoblastoma cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The crude methanol extract of J. spathulata and an iridoid obtained by chromatographic processes were tested to access the hepatoprotective effect and cytotoxicity in HepG2 cell. In addition, the reducing power of the samples and their ability to scavenge free radicals were evaluated using FRAP and ORAC assay systems. RESULTS: The iridoid asperuloside, the main compound of the crude methanol extract of J. spathulata, was isolated and identified by means of NMR analysis. The crude methanol extract of J. spathulata and asperuloside protected HepG2 cells against oxidative damage triggered by AAPH-derived free radicals. This effect can be credited to the ability of the extract and asperuloside to protect the liver cells from chemical-induced injury, which might be correlated to their free radical scavenging potential. CONCLUSIONS: This study experimentally evidenced the ethnopharmacological usefulness of J. spathulata as a treatment of digestive disorders. Our result could stimulate further investigations of hepatoprotective agents in other Chilean Junellia species.

Assuntos

Monoterpenos Ciclopentânicos/farmacologia , Sequestradores de Radicais Livres/farmacologia , Glucosídeos/farmacologia , Hepatócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Piranos/farmacologia , Verbenaceae , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Chile , Monoterpenos Ciclopentânicos/isolamento & purificação , Sequestradores de Radicais Livres/isolamento & purificação , Glucosídeos/isolamento & purificação , Células Hep G2 , Hepatócitos/metabolismo , Hepatócitos/patologia , Humanos , Extratos Vegetais/isolamento & purificação , Piranos/isolamento & purificação , Verbenaceae/química

RESUMO

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Additional therapies using functional foods and dietary supplements have been investigated and used in clinical practice, showing them to be beneficial. Honeybee pollen from Chile has shown a large concentration of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant activity. In this work, we characterized twenty-eight bee pollen extracts from the central zone of Chile according to botanical origin, phenolic profile, quercetin concentration, and antioxidant activity (FRAP and ORAC-FL). Our results show a statistically significant positive correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Selected samples were evaluated on the ability to reverse the steatosis in an in vitro cell model using Hepa1-6 cells. The pollen extracts protected Hepa1-6 cells against oxidative damage triggered by 2,2'-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)derived free radicals. This effect can be credited to the ability of the phenolic compounds present in the extract to protect the liver cells from chemical-induced injury, which might be correlated to their free radical scavenging potential. Additionally, bee pollen extracts reduce lipid accumulation in a cellular model of steatosis. In summary, our results support the antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-steatosis effect of bee pollen in an in vitro model.

Assuntos

Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Hepatócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Hepatócitos/metabolismo , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Extratos Vegetais/química , Pólen/química , Animais , Antioxidantes/química , Abelhas , Linhagem Celular , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Flavonoides/química , Flavonoides/farmacologia , Humanos , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/etiologia , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/metabolismo , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/patologia , Fenóis/química , Fenóis/farmacologia , Substâncias Protetoras/química , Substâncias Protetoras/farmacologia , Quercetina/química , Quercetina/farmacologia

RESUMO

Baccharis trimera is a native medicinal plant from South America popularly known as "carqueja". Its infusion is traditionally ingested for the treatment and prevention of hepatic disorders. Up to now, only the crude aqueous extract or hydroethanolic fractions, containing the secondary metabolites, have been studied and correlated with their biological action on the liver. Here we report that an inulin type fructan is present in the B. trimera infusion and contributes to the hepatoprotective effect of the species. In vitro, inulin at 300 µg/mL, was able to scavenger 97% of the DPPH radicals. In vivo experiments showed that it protected the liver against CCl4-induced injuries. The administration of inulin at low dose of 1 mg/kg significantly reduced the blood levels of ALT, AST and ALP, reduced the lipid peroxidation and increased the catalase activity and the levels of reduced glutathione in the liver of CCl4-treated mice. Moreover, the administration of inulin at 100 mg/kg increased GSH levels in the liver of Naïve mice. No signs of toxicity were observed. Thus, inulin present in B. trimera infusion protects the liver from the oxidative stress caused by CCl4 administration and can corroborate with the hepatoprotective effects presented by the species infusion.

Assuntos

Baccharis , Animais , Fígado , Camundongos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Polissacarídeos/farmacologia , América do Sul

RESUMO

SUMMARY Food supplements are easily acquired and used in various countries. Silymarin has been indicated for diseases of the liver and Chromium picolinate has been indicated for body weight loss and for the improvement of glycemic index. The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of short-term treatment with a combination of silymarin (50 mg/kg) and chromium picolinate (5 µg/kg) on the standard glibenclamide treatment (10 mg/kg) of rats with induced diabetes. DM2 was induced with streptozotocin. Experimental groups of rats: healthy control group, glibenclamide diabetic group, silymarin diabetic group, and silymarin, chromium picolinate and glibenclamide group. After 10 days of oral treatment, we determined body weight, fasting glycemia, glycemia 1 h after gastric gavage with sucrose, and AST and ALT transaminases. Statistical analysis of the data indicated that there was no change in body weight or fasting glycemia, but that glycemia increased after gavage with sucrose in the group submitted to combined therapy. Thus, we concluded that the combination of silymarin and chromium picolinate reduced the efficacy of glibenclamide in the short term, although the two substances had a protective effect on the liver as observed by the reduction of blood transaminase levels.

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RESUMO Suplementos alimentares são de fácil aquisição e uso em diversos países. A silimarina tem sido indicada para desordens hepáticas e o picolinato de cromo tem sido utilizado para perda de peso corporal e melhoria do índice glicêmico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do tratamento utilizando uma combinação de silimarina (50 mg/kg) e picolinato de cromo (5 µg/kg) sobre o tratamento com glibencla-mida (10 mg/kg) em ratos com diabetes induzida com estreptozotocina. Os grupos experimentais foram: grupo controle sadio, grupo diabético glibenclamida, grupo diabético silimarina e grupo diabético silimarina, picolinato de cromo e glibencla-mida. Após 10 dias de tratamento via oral, determinou-se o peso corpóreo, glicemia de jejum, glicemia após uma hora de gavagem gástrica com sacarose e transaminases hepáticas. A análise estatística dos dados indicou que não ocorreu alteração significativa no peso corpóreo e na glicemia de jejum, mas ocorreu aumento significativo dos níveis glicêmicos no grupo diabético silimarina, picolinato de cromo e glibenclamida após a gavagem com sacarose no grupo com a terapia combinada. Portanto, conclui-se que a combinação utilizada reduziu a eicácia da glibenclamida em curto prazo, embora ambas substancias tenham exibido efeito hepatoprotetor, observado pela redução dos níveis plasmáticos de transaminases.

RESUMO

Tyloxapol is a nonionic surfactant oligomer inductor of dyslipidemia, which in turn is a risk factor for liver damage. Selenium-based compounds have emerged as promising therapeutic candidates for treating different experimental disorders. This study investigated the effects of p-chloro-diphenyl diselenide (p-ClPhSe)2 on toxicity induced by Tyloxapol in rats. Plasma lipid profile, hepatic functionality and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated in adult male Wistar rats treated with (p-ClPhSe)2 (10 mg/kg; oral administration by gavage) for seven days and exposed to a single Tyloxapol injection (400 mg/kg; intraperitoneal route) 30 min after the last (p-ClPhSe)2 treatment. Tyloxapol exposure increased the plasma levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, non-HDL-cholesterol and the calculated cardiac risk index (CRI). The plasma activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT and AST, liver function markers) were increased in rats exposed to Tyloxapol, which demonstrates a hepatic lipotoxicity. In the liver, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content was enhanced and the non-protein sulfhydryl (NPSH) levels were decreased by Tyloxapol. The data revealed that repeated treatment with (p-ClPhSe)2 reduced plasma lipid alterations and hepatotoxicity induced by Tyloxapol. Although (p-ClPhSe)2 did not reduce ROS levels increased by Tyloxapol, it increased NPSH content in the liver. Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed a positive relationship between the levels of hepatic NPSH and plasma HDL. HDL is known by eliciting antioxidant activity; therefore, the improvement in HDL function could be suggested as a therapeutic target. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the protective effects of (p-ClPhSe)2 on the hepatic lipotoxicity induced by Tyloxapol in rats.

Assuntos

Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas/prevenção & controle , Dislipidemias/prevenção & controle , Hipolipemiantes/farmacologia , Lipídeos/sangue , Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos , Compostos Organosselênicos/farmacologia , Polietilenoglicóis/toxicidade , Tensoativos/toxicidade , Animais , Biomarcadores/sangue , Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas/sangue , Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas/etiologia , Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas/patologia , Dislipidemias/sangue , Dislipidemias/induzido quimicamente , Dislipidemias/patologia , Fígado/metabolismo , Fígado/patologia , Masculino , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Ratos Wistar , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo

RESUMO

The objective of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of the honey bee Apis mellifera ethanolic extract of the red propolis, obtained in four municipalities of the Rio Grande do Norte semi-arid region, through an in vitro evaluation of the antineoplastic potential in human hepatic carcinoma (HepG2) and normal cell lines (L929), and from the comet assay in hepatic cell lines (ZF-L hepatocytes) to evaluate the genoprotective potential of the extract. The hepatoprotective effect was also evaluated in vivo by the induction of chronic experimental hepatic lesions in rodents (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769), Wistar line, by intraperitoneal administration of thioacetamide (TAA) at the dose of 0.2g/kg. The animals were distributed in the following experimental groups: G1 (control), G2 (treated with 500mg/kg ethanolic extract of propolis), G3 (treated with 500mg/kg of ethanolic extract and TAA) and G4 (treated with TAA). All rats were submitted to serum biochemical, macroscopic, histological and stereological biochemical exams of the liver. It was verified the genoprotective effect of red propolis since the mean damages promoted to DNA in cells tested with the extract were significantly lower than the mean of the positive control damage (hydrogen peroxide). The red propolis extract did not present cytotoxic activity to the tumor cells of human liver cancer, as well as to normal ones. The absence of cytotoxicity in normal cells may indicate safety in the use of the propolis extract. The results of the serum biochemical evaluation showed that the serum levels of the aminotransferase enzymes (AST) did not differ significantly between G1, G2 and G3 when compared to each other. G4 showed significant increase in levels compared to the other groups, indicating that the administration of the extract did not cause liver toxicity, as well as exerted hepatoprotective effect against the hepatic damage induced by TAA...(AU)

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Este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito hepatoprotetor do extrato etanólico da própolis vermelha da abelha Apis mellifera, obtido em quatro municípios do semiárido do Rio Grande do Norte, mediante avaliação in vitro do potencial antineoplásico em linhagens de células de carcinoma hepático humano (HepG2) e em linhagens de células normais (L929), além do ensaio cometa em linhagens de células hepáticas (hepatócitos ZF-L) para avaliar o potencial genoprotetor do extrato. O efeito hepatoprotetor também foi avaliado in vivo através da indução de lesões hepática experimental crônica em roedores da espécie Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769), linhagem Wistar, pela administração intraperitoneal de tioacetamida (TAA) na dose de 0,2g/kg. Os animais foram distribuídos nos seguintes grupos experimentais: G1 (controle), G2 (tratados com 500mg/kg de extrato etanólico da própolis), G3 (tratados com 500mg/kg de extrato etanólico e TAA) e G4 (tratados com TAA). Todos os ratos foram submetidos aos exames bioquímico sérico, anatomopatológico macroscópico, histológico e esteriológico do fígado. Foi constatado o efeito genoprotetor da própolis vermelha uma vez que as médias dos danos promovidos ao DNA em células testadas com o extrato foram significativamente inferiores à média dos danos do controle positivo (peróxido de hidrogênio). O extrato da própolis vermelha não apresentou atividade citotóxica para células tumorais de câncer de fígado humano, bem como para normais. A ausência de citotoxicidade em células normais, tal como constatado, pode indicar segurança no uso do extrato da própolis. Os resultados da avaliação bioquímica sérica demonstraram que os níveis séricos das enzimas aminotransferase (AST) não diferiram significativamente entre G1, G2 e G3, quando comparadas entre si. No G4 houve aumento significativo dos níveis em relação aos demais grupos, indicando que a administração do extrato não causou toxicidade hepática, bem como exerceu efeito...(AU)

Assuntos

Animais , Própole/uso terapêutico , Abelhas , Citotoxinas , Medicamentos Hepatoprotetores , Antineoplásicos/análise

RESUMO

The objective of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of the honey bee Apis mellifera ethanolic extract of the red propolis, obtained in four municipalities of the Rio Grande do Norte semi-arid region, through an in vitro evaluation of the antineoplastic potential in human hepatic carcinoma (HepG2) and normal cell lines (L929), and from the comet assay in hepatic cell lines (ZF-L hepatocytes) to evaluate the genoprotective potential of the extract. The hepatoprotective effect was also evaluated in vivo by the induction of chronic experimental hepatic lesions in rodents (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769), Wistar line, by intraperitoneal administration of thioacetamide (TAA) at the dose of 0.2g/kg. The animals were distributed in the following experimental groups: G1 (control), G2 (treated with 500mg/kg ethanolic extract of propolis), G3 (treated with 500mg/kg of ethanolic extract and TAA) and G4 (treated with TAA). All rats were submitted to serum biochemical, macroscopic, histological and stereological biochemical exams of the liver. It was verified the genoprotective effect of red propolis since the mean damages promoted to DNA in cells tested with the extract were significantly lower than the mean of the positive control damage (hydrogen peroxide). The red propolis extract did not present cytotoxic activity to the tumor cells of human liver cancer, as well as to normal ones. The absence of cytotoxicity in normal cells may indicate safety in the use of the propolis extract. The results of the serum biochemical evaluation showed that the serum levels of the aminotransferase enzymes (AST) did not differ significantly between G1, G2 and G3 when compared to each other. G4 showed significant increase in levels compared to the other groups, indicating that the administration of the extract did not cause liver toxicity, as well as exerted hepatoprotective effect against the hepatic damage induced by TAA. The G3 and G4 animals developed cirrhosis, but in G3 the livers were characterized by the presence of small regenerative nodules and level with the surface of the organ, whereas in G4 the livers showed large regenerative nodules. The livers of the G1 and G2 animals presented normal histological appearance, whereas the livers of the G3 animals showed regenerative nodules surrounded by thin septa of connective tissue, and in G4 the regenerative nodules were surrounded by thick septa fibrous connective tissue. The analysis of the hepatic tissues by means of stereology showed that there was no statistical difference between the percentage of hepatocytes, sinusoids, and collagens in G1 and G2. In G3 the percentage of hepatocytes, sinusoids, and collagen did not differ significantly from the other groups. It was concluded that the ethanolic extract of the red propolis exerted a hepatoprotective effect, because it promoted in vitro reduction of the damage to the DNA of liver cells, antineoplastic activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) and did not exert cytotoxic effect in normal cells or was able to reduce liver enzyme activity and the severity of cirrhosis induced by TAA in vivo.(AU)

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Este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito hepatoprotetor do extrato etanólico da própolis vermelha da abelha Apis mellifera, obtido em quatro municípios do semiárido do Rio Grande do Norte, mediante avaliação in vitro do potencial antineoplásico em linhagens de células de carcinoma hepático humano (HepG2) e em linhagens de células normais (L929), além do ensaio cometa em linhagens de células hepáticas (hepatócitos ZF-L) para avaliar o potencial genoprotetor do extrato. O efeito hepatoprotetor também foi avaliado in vivo através da indução de lesões hepática experimental crônica em roedores da espécie Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769), linhagem Wistar, pela administração intraperitoneal de tioacetamida (TAA) na dose de 0,2g/kg. Os animais foram distribuídos nos seguintes grupos experimentais: G1 (controle), G2 (tratados com 500mg/kg de extrato etanólico da própolis), G3 (tratados com 500mg/kg de extrato etanólico e TAA) e G4 (tratados com TAA). Todos os ratos foram submetidos aos exames bioquímico sérico, anatomopatológico macroscópico, histológico e esteriológico do fígado. Foi constatado o efeito genoprotetor da própolis vermelha uma vez que as médias dos danos promovidos ao DNA em células testadas com o extrato foram significativamente inferiores à média dos danos do controle positivo (peróxido de hidrogênio). O extrato da própolis vermelha não apresentou atividade citotóxica para células tumorais de câncer de fígado humano, bem como para normais. A ausência de citotoxicidade em células normais, tal como constatado, pode indicar segurança no uso do extrato da própolis. Os resultados da avaliação bioquímica sérica demonstraram que os níveis séricos das enzimas aminotransferase (AST) não diferiram significativamente entre G1, G2 e G3, quando comparadas entre si. No G4 houve aumento significativo dos níveis em relação aos demais grupos, indicando que a administração do extrato não causou toxicidade hepática, bem como exerceu efeito hepatoprotetor frente ao dano hepático induzido pela TAA. Os animais dos G3 e G4 desenvolveram cirrose, porém no G3 os fígados caracterizaram-se pela presença de pequenos nódulos regenerativos e nivelados com a superfície do órgão, enquanto que no G4 os fígados apresentaram grandes nódulos regenerativos. Os fígados dos animais G1 e G2 apresentaram aspecto histológico normal, enquanto que os fígados dos animais do G3 apresentaram nódulos regenerativos circundados por finos septos de tecido conjuntivo, e nos do G4 os nódulos regenerativos foram circundados por espessos septos de tecido conjuntivo fibroso. A análise dos tecidos hepáticos por meio de estereologia mostrou que não houve diferença estatística entre o percentual de hepatócitos, sinusoides e colágenos nos G1 e G2. No G3 o percentual de hepatócitos, sinusoides e colágeno não diferiu significativamente dos demais grupos. Concluiu-se que o extrato etanólico da própolis vermelha exerceu efeito genoprotetor, por promover in vitro redução do dano ao DNA de células hepáticas, atividade antineoplásica em linhagem celular de carcinoma hepatocelular humano (HepG2) e não exerceu efeito citotóxico em células normais ou efeito hepatoprotetor in vivo com diminuição da gravidade da cirrose induzida por TAA.(AU)

Assuntos

Animais , Própole/uso terapêutico , Abelhas , Citotoxinas , Medicamentos Hepatoprotetores , Antineoplásicos/análise

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatic diseases are serious problems worldwide, which may lead to the development of fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. Despite the significant number of people affected by hepatic fibrosis, no effective treatment is available. In the liver, hepatic stellate cells are the major fibrogenic cell type that play a relevant function in chronic liver diseases. Thus, the characterization of components that control the fibrogenesis in the hepatic stellate cells is relevant in supporting the development of innovative therapies to treat and/or control liver fibrosis. The present study investigated the effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. and Plectranthus barbatus Andrews medicinal plant extracts in LX-2 transdifferentiation. METHODS: LX-2 is a human immortalized hepatic stellate cell that can transdifferentiate in vitro from a quiescent-like phenotype to a more proliferative and activated behavior, and it provides a useful platform to assess antifibrotic drugs. Then, the antifibrotic effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Baccharis dracunculifolia and Plectranthus barbatus medicinal plants on LX-2 were evaluated. RESULTS: The results in our cellular analyses, under the investigated concentrations of the plant extracts, indicate no deleterious effects on LX-2 metabolism, such as toxicity, genotoxicity, or apoptosis. Moreover, the extracts induced changes in actin filament distribution of activated LX-2, despite not affecting the cellular markers of transdifferentiation. Consistent effects in cellular retinoid metabolism were observed, supporting the presumed activity of the plant extracts in hepatic lipids metabolism, which corroborated the traditional knowledge about their uses for liver dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The combined results suggested a potential hepatoprotective effect of the investigated plant extracts reinforcing their safe use as coadjuvants in treating imbalanced liver lipid metabolism.

Assuntos

Baccharis , Células Estreladas do Fígado , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Plectranthus , Substâncias Protetoras/farmacologia , Retinoides/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular , Sobrevivência Celular , Transdiferenciação Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Estreladas do Fígado/química , Células Estreladas do Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Estreladas do Fígado/metabolismo , Humanos , Metabolismo dos Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Plantas Medicinais , Retinoides/análise

RESUMO

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an abundant raw material applied in the production of daily necessities, such as food cans, baby bottles, electronic and medical equipment. Phytotherapeutic use of plant preparations has long been known for multiple target medicinal uses. The species Bauhinia forficata is widely used as hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic agent. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of B. forficata extract in association with BPA exposure on serological parameters, hepatic antioxidant status and glycogen store capacity in Wistar rats. B. forficata was able to reduce BPA-induced glucose levels; it also prevented the early glucose elevation in control and BPA-exposed animals after the glucose provocative test. This effect was related to the hepatic glycogen content; while BPA reduced the hepatic glycogen deposits B. forficata treatment contributed to minimize it. BPA and B. forficata singly caused elevation in triacylglycerol and VLDL levels and reduction in cholesterol and LDL concentrations. BPA increased hepatic malondialdehyde levels and reduced catalase activity, thus inducing liver oxidative stress. Conversely, B. forficata treatment reduced malondialdehyde concentration without interfering with catalase activity; this antioxidant capacity is attributed to the flavonoids content (e.g., kaempferol and myricetin). Based on these results, we demonstrated that B. forficata commercial extract has hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties capable of minimizing the effects of BPA. However, it should be considered that the consumption of herbal commercial extract must be judicious to avoid deleterious health effects.

RESUMO

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic bacterial pathogen in aquaculture systems being associated to extensive liver damage caused by oxidative stress in both marine and freshwater fish. Dietary supplementation with natural antioxidants is considered a rational strategy to prevent hepatic diseases involved with oxidative stress. Bio-residues resulting from the wine industry, such as grape pomace, are potential sources of bioactive phenolic compounds that can be applied as supplement for animal production. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether dietary supplementation with grape pomace flour (GPF) was able to prevent or reduce the hepatic oxidative damage of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella, experimentally infected by P. aeruginosa. Hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS), metabolites of nitric oxide (NOx), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and protein carbonylation levels were higher in fish experimentally infected by P. aeruginosa compared to the control group. Hepatic superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radical levels were also higher in fish experimentally infected by P. aeruginosa compared to the control group. Dietary supplementation with 300 mg/kg GPF prevented all alterations elicited by P. aeruginosa, with the exception of protein carbonylation levels. The dietary supplementation with 150 mg/kg GPF was not able to avoid alteration of the analyzed variables, being results similar to those infected (positive control). Based on these results, dietary supplementation with 300 mg/kg GPF prevented P. aeruginosa-induced liver damage in grass carp, and this protective effect occurred through prevention on excessive ROS and NOx production, as well as via prevention of lipid damage. Moreover, 300 mg/kg GPF exerted its hepatoprotective effects by improving enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system. In summary, this supplementation can be an interesting approach to prevent P. aeruginosa-induced liver damage.

Assuntos

Antioxidantes/administração & dosagem , Dietoterapia/métodos , Doenças dos Peixes/terapia , Hepatopatias/veterinária , Estresse Oxidativo , Infecções por Pseudomonas/veterinária , Vitis/química , Animais , Carpas , Catalase/análise , Doenças dos Peixes/patologia , Farinha , Hepatopatias/patologia , Hepatopatias/terapia , Óxido Nítrico/análise , Carbonilação Proteica , Infecções por Pseudomonas/patologia , Infecções por Pseudomonas/terapia , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/análise , Superóxido Dismutase/análise , Substâncias Reativas com Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/análise , Resultado do Tratamento

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Serum lipoproteins are in dynamic equilibrium, partially controlled by the apolipoprotein A1 to apolipoprotein B ratio (APOA1/APOB). Freeze-dried mango pulp (FDM) is a rich source of phenolic compounds (MP) and dietary fiber (MF), although their effects on lipoprotein metabolism have not yet been studied. RESULTS: Thirty male Wistar rats were fed with four different isocaloric diets (3.4 kcal g-1 ) for 12 weeks: control diet, high cholesterol (8 g kg-1 ) + sodium cholate (2 g kg-1 ) diet either alone or supplemented with MF (60 g kg-1 ), MP (1 g kg-1 ) or FDM (50 g kg-1 ). MP and FDM reduced food intake, whereas MF and MP tended to increase serum APOA1/APOB ratio, independently of their hepatic gene expression. This suggests that lipoprotein metabolism was favorably altered by mango bioactives, MP also mitigated the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis that resulted from the intake of this diet. CONCLUSION: We propose that phenolics are the most bioactive components of mango pulp, acting as anti-atherogenic and hepatoprotective agents, with a mechanism of action tentatively based on changes to the main protein components of lipoproteins. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Assuntos

Apolipoproteína A-I/sangue , Apolipoproteínas B/sangue , Colesterol/metabolismo , Mangifera/metabolismo , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/dietoterapia , Fenol/metabolismo , Extratos Vegetais/administração & dosagem , Extratos Vegetais/metabolismo , Colato de Sódio/metabolismo , Animais , Humanos , Fígado/metabolismo , Masculino , Mangifera/química , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/metabolismo , Fenol/análise , Extratos Vegetais/análise , Ratos , Ratos Wistar

RESUMO

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of the honey bee Apis mellifera ethanolic extract of the red propolis, obtained in four municipalities of the Rio Grande do Norte semi-arid region, through an in vitro evaluation of the antineoplastic potential in human hepatic carcinoma (HepG2) and normal cell lines (L929), and from the comet assay in hepatic cell lines (ZF-L hepatocytes) to evaluate the genoprotective potential of the extract. The hepatoprotective effect was also evaluated in vivo by the induction of chronic experimental hepatic lesions in rodents (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769), Wistar line, by intraperitoneal administration of thioacetamide (TAA) at the dose of 0.2g/kg. The animals were distributed in the following experimental groups: G1 (control), G2 (treated with 500mg/kg ethanolic extract of propolis), G3 (treated with 500mg/kg of ethanolic extract and TAA) and G4 (treated with TAA). All rats were submitted to serum biochemical, macroscopic, histological and stereological biochemical exams of the liver. It was verified the genoprotective effect of red propolis since the mean damages promoted to DNA in cells tested with the extract were significantly lower than the mean of the positive control damage (hydrogen peroxide). The red propolis extract did not present cytotoxic activity to the tumor cells of human liver cancer, as well as to normal ones. The absence of cytotoxicity in normal cells may indicate safety in the use of the propolis extract. The results of the serum biochemical evaluation showed that the serum levels of the aminotransferase enzymes (AST) did not differ significantly between G1, G2 and G3 when compared to each other. G4 showed significant increase in levels compared to the other groups, indicating that the administration of the extract did not cause liver toxicity, as well as exerted hepatoprotective effect against the hepatic damage induced by TAA. The G3 and G4 animals developed cirrhosis, but in G3 the livers were characterized by the presence of small regenerative nodules and level with the surface of the organ, whereas in G4 the livers showed large regenerative nodules. The livers of the G1 and G2 animals presented normal histological appearance, whereas the livers of the G3 animals showed regenerative nodules surrounded by thin septa of connective tissue, and in G4 the regenerative nodules were surrounded by thick septa fibrous connective tissue. The analysis of the hepatic tissues by means of stereology showed that there was no statistical difference between the percentage of hepatocytes, sinusoids, and collagens in G1 and G2. In G3 the percentage of hepatocytes, sinusoids, and collagen did not differ significantly from the other groups. It was concluded that the ethanolic extract of the red propolis exerted a hepatoprotective effect, because it promoted in vitro reduction of the damage to the DNA of liver cells, antineoplastic activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) and did not exert cytotoxic effect in normal cells or was able to reduce liver enzyme activity and the severity of cirrhosis induced by TAA in vivo.

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RESUMO: Este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito hepatoprotetor do extrato etanólico da própolis vermelha da abelha Apis mellifera, obtido em quatro municípios do semiárido do Rio Grande do Norte, mediante avaliação in vitro do potencial antineoplásico em linhagens de células de carcinoma hepático humano (HepG2) e em linhagens de células normais (L929), além do ensaio cometa em linhagens de células hepáticas (hepatócitos ZF-L) para avaliar o potencial genoprotetor do extrato. O efeito hepatoprotetor também foi avaliado in vivo através da indução de lesões hepática experimental crônica em roedores da espécie Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769), linhagem Wistar, pela administração intraperitoneal de tioacetamida (TAA) na dose de 0,2g/kg. Os animais foram distribuídos nos seguintes grupos experimentais: G1 (controle), G2 (tratados com 500mg/kg de extrato etanólico da própolis), G3 (tratados com 500mg/kg de extrato etanólico e TAA) e G4 (tratados com TAA). Todos os ratos foram submetidos aos exames bioquímico sérico, anatomopatológico macroscópico, histológico e esteriológico do fígado. Foi constatado o efeito genoprotetor da própolis vermelha uma vez que as médias dos danos promovidos ao DNA em células testadas com o extrato foram significativamente inferiores à média dos danos do controle positivo (peróxido de hidrogênio). O extrato da própolis vermelha não apresentou atividade citotóxica para células tumorais de câncer de fígado humano, bem como para normais. A ausência de citotoxicidade em células normais, tal como constatado, pode indicar segurança no uso do extrato da própolis. Os resultados da avaliação bioquímica sérica demonstraram que os níveis séricos das enzimas aminotransferase (AST) não diferiram significativamente entre G1, G2 e G3, quando comparadas entre si. No G4 houve aumento significativo dos níveis em relação aos demais grupos, indicando que a administração do extrato não causou toxicidade hepática, bem como exerceu efeito hepatoprotetor frente ao dano hepático induzido pela TAA. Os animais dos G3 e G4 desenvolveram cirrose, porém no G3 os fígados caracterizaram-se pela presença de pequenos nódulos regenerativos e nivelados com a superfície do órgão, enquanto que no G4 os fígados apresentaram grandes nódulos regenerativos. Os fígados dos animais G1 e G2 apresentaram aspecto histológico normal, enquanto que os fígados dos animais do G3 apresentaram nódulos regenerativos circundados por finos septos de tecido conjuntivo, e nos do G4 os nódulos regenerativos foram circundados por espessos septos de tecido conjuntivo fibroso. A análise dos tecidos hepáticos por meio de estereologia mostrou que não houve diferença estatística entre o percentual de hepatócitos, sinusoides e colágenos nos G1 e G2. No G3 o percentual de hepatócitos, sinusoides e colágeno não diferiu significativamente dos demais grupos. Concluiu-se que o extrato etanólico da própolis vermelha exerceu efeito genoprotetor, por promover in vitro redução do dano ao DNA de células hepáticas, atividade antineoplásica em linhagem celular de carcinoma hepatocelular humano (HepG2) e não exerceu efeito citotóxico em células normais ou efeito hepatoprotetor in vivo com diminuição da gravidade da cirrose induzida por TAA.

RESUMO

Context: Seaweeds are seen as a traditional food and folk medicine by different coastal countries. The red seaweed Bryothamnion triquetrum is a widely distributed species that grows in shallow waters, and different authors have demonstrated a possible application of the seaweeds as a source of natural antioxidants and relative diseases. Aims: To evaluate the hepatoprotective properties on CCl4-induced oxidative stress in rats that were associated with the antioxidant activity from the polyphenol-rich fractions of the red seaweed Bryothamnion triquetrum. Methods: Polyphenols were determined by Folin-Cioacalteu. Antioxidant activity from phenolic compounds-rich fractions was measured by different assays (DPPH, Reducing power, (beta-Carotene/linoleic acid assay and Inhibition of lipoperoxidation). Aqueous extract from B. triquetrum was administered during 20 days to rats and submitted CCl4-Induced oxidative damage. The peroxidation and hepatic damage (TBARS, ASAT and ALAT), antioxidant metabolite and enzymes (glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase) were evaluated. Also, it was evaluated the expression of antioxidant enzymes by RT-PCR. Results: The antioxidant activity determined by different assays with polyphenolic fractions. Free Phenolic Acid was more active: DPPH, 20 mu g 87%; Reducing power OD = 0.490, 20 g; beta-carotene/linoleic acid 1 mu g 53%, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation 0.250 mu g 100%. Rats treated displayed lower liver TBARS, ASAT and ALAT than CCl4-treated group and catalase activity was increased. It was demonstrated expression of catalase. Conclusions: Data suggest that Bryothamnion triquetrum protects the liver against oxidative stress by modulating its antioxidant enzymes and oxidative status with potential use as phytodrug or functional food.