Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activities of Selected Helicteres Species in a CCl₄-Induced Acute Liver Injury Mouse Model

Abstract

Hepatoprotection refers to the capacity of a substance to prevent or mitigate liver damage caused by toxins. Medicinal plants have gained attention for their potential therapeutic effects, including antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo hepatoprotective potential of aqueous leaf and stem extracts from three Helicteres species: H. lanceolata DC., H. hirsuta Lour., and H. isora L. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay, and hepatoprotective effects were examined in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury model in male mice. Serum biochemical markers (AST, ALT, GGT, creatinine), hematological parameters, and histopathological features of liver and other organs were analyzed. The DPPH assay revealed strong antioxidant activity in all extracts (0 – 200 µg/mL), with EC₅₀ values of 10.56 ± 0.31 µg/mL for H. isora, 10.57 ± 0.19 µg/mL for H. hirsuta, and 13.16 ± 0.38 µg/mL for H. lanceolata. In vivo experiments showed that treatment with the extracts significantly reduced liver enzyme levels (P < 0.05) compared to the CCl₄-only group. Hematological parameters remained largely unaffected, except for a reduction in blood glucose levels in treated groups (dose of 200 mg/kg). Among the species tested, H. isora extract demonstrated the most prominent protective effects, increased body weight and improved liver histology. These findings suggest aqueous extracts of H. lanceolata, H. hirsuta, and H. isora possess significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities, with H. isora extract showing the most significant hepatoprotective effect in mice, supporting their potential as candidates for liver disease management.