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Terpenoids from Juniperus procera with hepatoprotective activity.
Saleh Ibrahim Alqasoumi1, Maged Saad Abdel-Kader
1Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Salman Bin Abdulaziz University, PO Box 173 Al-Kharj, KSA.
Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|March 31, 2012
Summary
The petroleum ether extract of Juniperus procera demonstrated significant hepatoprotective effects against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury. Compounds 4-epi-abietol and sugiol were identified as the most potent in protecting the liver.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride is a common model for studying hepatoprotective agents.
- Juniperus procera is a plant species with a history of traditional medicinal use.
- Diterpenoids and sesquiterpenes are classes of natural compounds often exhibiting diverse biological activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hepatoprotective potential of Juniperus procera petroleum ether fraction against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury.
- To isolate and identify chemical constituents from the active fraction.
- To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of isolated compounds.
Main Methods:
- Hepatoprotective activity was assessed by quantifying biochemical parameters and histopathological analysis in a carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury model.
- Phytochemical analysis involved chromatographic techniques for isolation of compounds.
- Structure elucidation was performed using physical and spectral data.
- Isolated compounds were screened for hepatoprotective activity.
Main Results:
- The petroleum ether fraction of Juniperus procera exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity.
- Seven compounds were isolated: six diterpenoids (4-epi-abietol, ferruginol, hinokiol, sugiol, Z-communic acid, hinokiol-1-one) and one sesquiterpene (8α-acetoxyelemol).
- 4-epi-abietol and sugiol demonstrated the most significant reduction in elevated liver enzymes, indicating potent hepatoprotective effects.
Conclusions:
- Juniperus procera possesses promising hepatoprotective properties.
- The identified diterpenoids, particularly 4-epi-abietol and sugiol, are responsible for the observed liver-protective activity.
- Further research into these compounds could lead to novel therapeutic agents for liver diseases.
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