Planta Med 2009; 75 - PJ37
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1234842

Hepatoprotective activity of Stachys extracts against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

J Kukić-Marković 1, S Dobrić 2, V Jaćević 3, A Topić 4, P Marin 5, S Petrović 1
  • 1Institute of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
  • 2Institute for Scientific Information, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
  • 3National Poison Control Centre, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
  • 4Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
  • 5Faculty of Biology, Botanical Institute and Garden, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Plant species of the genus Stachys L. have been used traditionally in different conditions (headache, neuralgia, nervous conditions, dyspepsia, wounds healing and skin inflammation) and variety of pharmacological effects was proven for some of them [1,2]. Phytochemical studies of Stachys species revealed the presence of several secondary plant metabolites: different polyphenols (flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, phenylethanoid glycosides), iridoids, terpenoids and sterols [3].

In our continuation in investigating pharmacological activities of MeOH extracts of four endemic Balkan Stachys species (S. beckeana Dörfler & Hayek, S. anisochila Vis. et Pančić, S. plumosa Griseb., and S. alpina L. subsp. dinarica Murb.), their hepatoprotective activity was assayed. Hepatic damage in rats was induced using CCl4, and monitored using levels of marker enzymes: aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum. The biochemical observations were supplemented by pathohistological examination of liver sections (liver damage score (LDS) for degenerative and vascular changes according to the 5-point semiquantitative scale).

In rats who received CCl4 (2.5ml/kg body weight s.c.) a significant increase of serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP was observed, along with massive lesions in liver tissue (LDS=4.29). Four-day treatment with investigated Stachys extracts (200 and 100mg/kg body weigh p.o.) significantly reduced altered biochemical parameters in intoxicated rats (p<0.001). In addition, pathohistological evaluation of liver sections also pointed out lesser degree of degenerative and vascular changes. Extract of S. alpina subsp. dinarica showed the best and dose-related hepatoprotective effect.

References: [1] Kukić, J. et al. (2006) Biol. Pharm. Bull. 29:725–729.

[2] Kukić, J. et al. (2007) Pharm. Biol. 45:560–563.

[3] Meremeti, A. et al. (2004) Biochem. Syst. Ecol. 32:139–151.