Protective effects of HV-P411 complex against D-galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

This study examined the hepatoprotective effect of the HV-P411 complex, an herbal extract mixture from the seeds of Vitis vinifera, Schisandra chinensis and Taraxacum officinale, against D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced hepatitis. Hepatotoxicity was induced by D-GalN (700 mg/kg, i.p.), and the HV-P411 complex was administered orally 48, 24, and 2 h before and 6 h after D-GalN injection. Increases in serum aminotransferase activity and lipid peroxidation and a decrease in hepatic glutathione content were attenuated by the HV-P411 complex 24 h after D-GalN treatment. The HV-P411 complex attenuated the increases in serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6 level and cyclooxygenase-2 protein production and their mRNA expressions, while increases in serum IL-10 level and heme oxygenase-1 protein production and their mRNA expressions were augmented by the HV-P411 complex. The increased translocation of nuclear factor-κB and c-Jun phosphorylation were attenuated by treatment with the HV-P411 complex. Our results suggest that the HV-P411 complex prevents D-GalN-induced hepatotoxicity via antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.