Abstract

Background: Hepatotoxicity is a major complication of antitubercular therapy (ATT). Herbal remedies might alleviate ATT-induced hepatotoxicity owing to a wide range of bioactive phytoconstituents.

Objectives: The present study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of Callicarpa lanata (L.) leaves against ATT.

Methods: The ethanolic extract of C. lanata (L.) leaves (EECL) was prepared, and rutin was analyzed in the extract using HPTLC. ATT (Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol) was administered in Wistar rats to induce hepatotoxicity, and EECL (200 and 400 mg/kg) or silymarin (100 mg/kg) was given orally for 35 days.

Results: EECL ameliorated (p < 0.05) different blood biomarkers (aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, serum protein, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, lactate dehydrogenase, and total bilirubin) of liver injury against ATT. EECL enhanced (p < 0.05) hepatic sulfhydryl (-SH) group antioxidants along with a substantial upsurge in antioxidant enzymes and Nrf-2 levels and decreased hepatic lipid peroxidation. A decrease (p < 0.05) in ATT-induced hepatic pro-inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB, and liver lysosomal (cathepsin D and β-galactosidase) and cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP2E1 and CYP3A4) was observed in EECL-treated rats. Histopathological studies showed improved hepatocellular structure against oxidative- and inflammation-induced necrosis and other tissue modifications by EECL. The HPTLC analysis showed the presence of rutin in the crude extract.

Conclusion: Evidence suggests that C. lanata protects against ATT-induced hepatic injury, and rutin might be responsible for the beneficial effects. C. lanata leaves have therapeutic potential in mitigating drug-induced (ATT) hepatotoxic effects.

Keywords: Rutin, NF-κB, Nrf-2, cytochrome P450, HPTLC, liver injury.