Protective effect of free phenolics from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. root on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in vivo and in vitro.

Protective effect of free phenolics from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. root (FPLR) on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo and in vitro was first evaluated. Oral administration of FPLR (100 mg/kg bw) to mice significantly reduced the CCl4-induced elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, and total bilirubin. FPLR also increased the hepatic GSH contents and antioxidant enzyme activities of SOD and CAT and decreased the hepatic MDA level. Histopathological examinations further confirmed that the FPLR could protect the liver from CCl4-induced damage. Further research indicated that FPLR prevented the DNA fragmentation caused by CCl4 based on TUNEL assay. Moreover, immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that pretreatment with FPLR significantly inhibited the elevation of hepatic TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, iNOS, COX-2, and Caspase-3 in CCl4-treated mice. In vitro experiments showed that FPLR remarkably reduced BRL hepatocyte apoptosis and damage caused by CCl4 treatment. These findings indicate that FPLR could be developed as a functional food or medication for therapeutic purpose and prevention of hepatic injury.