Optimization, characterization and hepatoprotective effect of polysaccharides isolated from Stipa parviflora Desf. against CCl4 induced liver injury in rats using surface response methodology (RSM).

The roots of Stipa species have been used for treatment and prevention of a various number of diseases. To the best of my knowledge, little information is regarding the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of polysaccharides from Stipa parviflora (SPP). Hence the polysaccharides from this plant sample have been investigated here. In addition, Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology were used to optimize the hot extraction conditions. The optimal conditions were determined as: extraction time 120 min, extraction temperature 70 °C and ratio of water to raw material 30. Crude SPP was composed of mannose, ribose, glucose, galactose, pyranose and arabinose. In addition, the SPP showed a strong antioxidant capacity in vitro. In vivo experiments showed that CCl₄ treatment caused significant oxidative damage in hepatic tissues, whereas these problems were inhibited by SPP treatment. Hepatoprotective potential of SPP was evaluated by estimating the levels of serum markers like ALT and AST levels. SPP treated rat liver anti-oxidant parameters (SOD, CAT and GPx) were significantly antagonized for the pro-oxidant effect of CCl₄. Histopathological studies proved that the SPP extract has significant hepatoprotective activity. In conclusion, the SPP fraction isolated from S. parviflora showed significant hepatoprotective potential which could be related to active compounds present in this fraction.