Hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of Asphodeline lutea (L.) Rchb. roots extract in experimental models in vitro/in vivo

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Asphodeline lutea (L.) Rchb. dry root extract (ALE) administered alone and against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced liver injury in vitro / in vivo . The dried roots of A. lutea were extracted with 70% ethanol and was characterized with HPLC-UV. Hepatoprotective potential was investigated by in vivo / in vitro assays in Wistar rats as well as antioxidant properties. At concentrations ranging from 10 to 200 μg/mL of ALE significant cytotoxic effects on isolated hepatocytes were found. ALE showed some toxicity in Wistar rats discerned by increased ALT (Alanine transaminase), ALP (Alkaline phosphatase) activities and MDA (malondialdehyde) quantity, decreased GSH (reduced glutathione) levels without affecting the activity of the antioxidant enzymes (GPx (Gluthatione peroxidase), GR (Glutathione reductase) and GST (Glutathione- S -transferase activity)). The antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of ALE was also observed in vitro / in vivo against CCl 4 -induced liver injury, where ALE normalizes all the examined parameters perturbated by CCl 4 administration. In addition, ALE preserved the decreased cytochrome P450 level and EMND (Ethylmorphine- N -Demethylase) activity without affecting AH (Aniline 4-Hydroxylase) activity. ALE is rich in anthraquinones, naphthalenes and caffeic acid. The pro-oxidant effects of ALE could be due to naphthalene and anthraquinone bioactivation pathways involving toxic metabolites.