Isolation and Identification of Compound from Dropwort (Oenanthe javanica) with Protective Potential against Oxidative Stress in HepG2 Cells

The protective effect of dropwort (Oenanthe javanica) was investigated in HepG2 cells under oxidative stress, and its active compound was identified. Compared to H2O2-alone treated cells, a drastic increase (35%) in protective activity was observed in the cells pretreated with 80% ethanol extract (OJE) of dropwort, suggesting that OJE possessed a potent hepatoprotectant. After a sequential procedure consisting of solvent-partitioning chromatography, TLC, and HPLC was conducted, the compound with proven hepatoprotective activity from OJE was isolated and identified as caffeic acid. Results indicated that caffeic acid in dropwort contributed to this herb’s protective profile against oxidative stress-induced liver damage.