Phytochemical characterization of artichoke leaf extract and assessment of its protective effects from alcohol and chemically-induced damage in human liver cells

Purpose: As the use of herbal extracts to alleviate common ailments continues to increase, the demand for liver detoxifying products is also increasing. Artichoke, Cynara scolymus L. is a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae family. The study objective was to characterize the phytochemical components of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) and assess its hepato-protective property against alcohol and chemically induced liver damage. Methods: ALE was manufactured from dry leaves using ethanol/water (60:40), pre-incubated for 24hrs at 20–25^oC. The herb extract ratio was 5–7:1. Human liver cells were pre-treated with ALE and either an alcohol or a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) insult. The hepato-protective property of the sample was measured using cell viability assays. Samples were tested at various concentrations and estimation of the EC₅₀ determined. The ability of ALE to induce Phase II enzyme was assessed. Qualitative and quantitative analytical methods using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were developed and validated for the phytochemical fingerprint characterization of ALE. Results: Bio-assay studies of ALE show a dose-dependent protection of the cells from alcohol damage with an EC₅₀<1µg/ml, showing a 90% protection of the cells at 1µg/ml compared to control. No protection of the cells from CCl₄-induced damage was observed. ALE was shown to be a potent inducer of Phase II enzymes. Analysis of the extract shows the presence of phytochemicals having caffeoyl quinic acid moiety (chlorogenic acid, cynarin and related compounds). Conclusions: ALE standardized to chlorogenic acid presents a good herbal alternative for liver protection against insults from alcohol.