Hepatoprotective activity of Brassica oleracea L. var . Italica

Purpose This study investigated total ethanol and successive extracts of Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica inflorescences for their prophylactic and therapeutic effects on rat's liver using the paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity method. The present investigation focuses on liver histopathological analysis and evaluation of biochemical parameters. Materials and methods Hepatoprotective activity of B. oleracea L. var. Italica was evaluated using the paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity method on rat's liver. Phytochemical investigation of 80% ethanolic extract was performed using column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography. Spectroscopic analyses UV, 1 H-NMR, and 13 C-NMR together with Electron impact mass spectrum (EIMS) were carried out to identify isolated compounds. Results Treatment with total ethanol and different successive extracts of B. oleracea showed a significant decrease in the liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) when paracetamol was administered before the extracts (therapeutic) or administered after the extracts (prophylactic). On examination of the histopathological results, it is obvious that the prophylactic activity of the extracts was more effective. From ethanol extract, obtucarbamate, N -(4-hydroxy phenyl) acetamide, and p -hydroxy benzoic acid were isolated using chromatographic methods. The isolated compounds were identified through spectroscopic analysis and compared with literature reports. Conclusion Broccoli extracts were studied intensively for their prophylactic and therapeutic effects on rat's liver damage induced by paracetamol. The evaluation of biochemical parameters and histopathological analysis showed that broccoli extracts have prophylactic activity against liver damage. Phytochemical investigation of 80% ethanolic extract resulted in isolation of three compounds, obtucarbamate, N -(4-hydroxy phenyl) acetamide, and p -hydroxy benzoic acid, and can be considered a good candidate for the protection of liver damage induced by paracetamol.