Hepatoprotective effects of astraglus root

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Hepatology
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Stilbenemidine is known to induce liver injury.
• Astragalus membranaceus is a traditional medicinal herb with potential therapeutic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of Astragalus membranaceus ethanol extract against stilbenemidine-induced liver injury.
• To evaluate the extract's impact on biochemical markers and hepatic cellular pathology.

Main Methods:

• Oral administration of Astragalus membranaceus ethanol extract to mice.
• Induction of liver injury using stilbenemidine.
• Measurement of serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) levels.
• Assessment of subacute toxicity and hepatic cellular changes.

Main Results:

• Pre-administration of the extract significantly reduced elevated SGPT levels.
• The extract demonstrated protective effects against subacute toxicity induced by stilbenemidine.
• Astragalus membranaceus extract mitigated pathological changes in hepatic cells.
• The extract reduced pentobarbital-induced loss of righting reflex, suggesting a potential influence on metabolic pathways.

Conclusions:

• Astragalus membranaceus ethanol extract exhibits significant hepatoprotective effects against stilbenemidine-induced liver injury.
• The findings support the traditional use of Astragalus membranaceus in managing liver conditions.