Hepatoprotective studies of floral extracts of Gomphrena serrata L. and piperic acid on CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity

Abstract

The present investigation aims to isolate, characterise and evaluate the phytoconstituents of Gomphrena serrata L. responsible for hepatoprotective activity in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity models both in vitro and in vivo. The plant species has not been explored for various therapeutic activities. HPLC analysis of subfraction of plant extract showed the presence of piperine, which was isolated and further hydrolysed to piperic acid. The results of the study indicate that the plant hydroalcoholic, acetone extracts at 500 mg/kg and compound piperic acid at 0.5 mg/kg exhibited better results in the regeneration of damaged hepatocytes and reduction of biochemical marker enzymes. The hepatoprotective activity might be due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 2E induced ER and oxidative stress. The present study reveals that the hepatoprotective activity of floral extracts might be due to in situ conversion of piperine into piperic acid. As piperic acid showed the equipotent potential to standard drug silymarin, it can be further developed as a hepatoprotective drug.