CCl4-induced hepatonephrotoxicity: protective effect of nutraceuticals on inflammatory factors and antioxidative status in rat

The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible protective effect of two edible parts (leaves and stems) of Rumex dentatus L. on inflammatory factors and oxidant/antioxidative status of rat. Determination of total phenolic content of the two parts and isolation of bioactive secondary metabolites from the promising leaves extract were carried out. The hepatic antioxidant parameters; glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde were measured. Liver marker enzymes and hepatic function enzymes; aspartate and alanine aminotransferases as well as cholestatic markers; alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase, serum total protein content, urea, creatinine were evaluated. In addition, inflammatory markers; interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor were estimated. Histopathological investigation was also examined. The ethanolic extract of leaves and stems showed antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties. An improvement of liver and kidney functions was also observed. Extract of leaves showed relatively higher biological activity than that of stems, a fact which may be related to their higher total phenolic content. This extract was subjected to chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis. Phytochemical investigation has afforded emodin (1), chrysophanic acid (2), 1,5-dihydroxy-3-methyl-9,10-anthraquinone (3), quercetin-3-rhamnoside (4), quercetin-3-rhamnosyl-(1→6)-galactoside (5), Isorhamnetin-3-rhamnoside (6), catechin (7) and daucosterol (8). Compounds 3-7 were isolated for the first time from this species. In conclusion, the plant parts extract represents a promising candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis and renal injury. The isolated bioactive phytochemicals was suggested to be responsible for the pronounced pharmacological activity.