Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to assess the hepatoprotective efficacy of hydroethanolic leaf extracts of Murraya koenigii and Phyllanthus niruri against paracetamol (PCM) and ethanol induced damage in human hepatoma HepG2 cell line. MTT based cytotoxicity assay was used to determine the doses of toxicants i.e., PCM 15 mM and ethanol 50 mM, alcohol water extract of M. koenigii (AWEMK, 100 μg/ml) and P. niruri (AWEPN, 20 μg/ml) and silymarin (10 μg/ml) to be used for challenging the cells. Toxicity in cells was induced by treatment with 15 mM PCM and 50 mM ethanol for 24 hours as manifested by a significant (p<0.05) decrease in cell viability, increase in the leakage of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate (SGPT) in culture medium, increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reduction in reduced glutathione (GSH) in cell lysate. These alterations were significantly ameliorated when cells were treated with combination of extracts (AWEMK and AWEPN) and silymarin during both prophylactic and curative studies. The preconditioning with combination of extracts for 24 hours whereas post treatment for 12 hours provided maximum protection against increase in SGOT and SGPT levels induced by PCM and ethanol. 24 hours of pre-incubation and 24 hours of post treatment with extracts was able to restore the increased MDA levels and diminished GSH levels to normalcy. Gene expression analysis of phase I and phase II metabolizing enzymes revealed that pre-conditioning influenced CYP1A2 (Cytochrome P4501A2) and GGT (Gamma Glutamyl Transferase) expression but could not influence the GST (Glutathione-S-Transferase) expression at later time intervals. Pre-conditioning thus influenced the initial steps of PCM metabolism where CYP1A2 and GGT initially play a significant role. Post conditioning with extracts showed high expression of CYP1A2 gene whereas it could not suppress GST expression showing no interference with initial metabolism of PCM. The GGT expression was suppressed in post treatment samples showing their antioxidant nature. Pre conditioning provided better hepatoprotection against PCM and ethanol induced damage thus emphasizing the dire need of including such plants in our dietary habits for boosting our hepatic function.

Biography

Pallavi Shah has completed her PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology in 2014 with minor in Microbiology. She was awarded CSIR NET JRF and SRF during her Doctoral studies.

Email: pallavishah06@gmail.com