Hepatoprotective Effect of Essential Oils from Hyptis crenata in Sepsis-Induced Liver Dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Hepatology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Sepsis-induced liver dysfunction is a critical complication with high mortality.
• Current therapeutic options for sepsis-related liver injury are limited.
• Traditional Brazilian medicine utilizes Hyptis crenata for liver ailments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of Hyptis crenata essential oil (EOHc) on liver function during early sepsis.
• To evaluate the impact of EOHc on biochemical markers and oxidative stress in a sepsis model.

Main Methods:

• Sepsis was induced in rats using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model.
• Animals received oral administration of EOHc (300 mg/kg) at 12 and 24 hours post-surgery.
• Hepatic function and oxidative stress markers were assessed 48 hours after CLP.

Main Results:

• EOHc normalized elevated serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and bilirubin.
• EOHc treatment inhibited sepsis-induced increases in hepatic lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde).
• EOHc preserved the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and prevented morphological liver damage.

Conclusions:

• Hyptis crenata essential oil demonstrates significant hepatoprotective effects against sepsis-induced liver injury.
• EOHc mitigates liver damage by reducing oxidative stress and normalizing key liver function markers.
• These findings support the traditional use of Hyptis crenata and suggest its potential as a therapeutic agent for sepsis-related liver dysfunction.