Hepatoprotective effects of berberine on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats

• Main Authors: Feng Yibin (Author), Siu Ka-Yu (Author), Ye Xingshen (Author), Wang Ning (Author), Yuen Man-Fung (Author), Leung Chung-Hang (Author), Tong Yao (Author), Kobayashi Seiichi (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2010-09-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Berberine is an active compound in <it>Coptidis Rhizoma </it>(<it>Huanglian</it>) with multiple pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering and anticancer effects. The present study aims to determine the hepatoprotective effects of berberine on serum and tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, the histology in tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sprague-Dawley rats aged seven weeks were injected intraperitoneally with 50% CCl₄in olive oil. Berberine was orally administered before or after CCl₄treatment in various groups. Twenty-four hours after CCl₄injection, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, serum and liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured. Histological changes of liver were examined with microscopy.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Serum ALT and AST activities significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner in both pre-treatment and post-treatment groups with berberine. Berberine increased the SOD activity in liver. Histological examination showed lowered liver damage in berberine-treated groups.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The present study demonstrates that berberine possesses hepatoprotective effects against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity and that the effects are both preventive and curative. Berberine should have potential for developing a new drug to treat liver toxicity.</p>

Item Description

10.1186/1749-8546-5-33
1749-8546