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β-Caryophyllene Ameliorates Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats: A Preventative Approach

  • 0Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences +

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September 13, 2025

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September 13, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

β-Caryophyllene (BCP) shows protective potential against liver fibrosis by activating CB2 receptors. This natural compound helps reduce liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis, offering promising preventative benefits.

Area Of Science

  • Pharmacology
  • Hepatology
  • Natural Products Chemistry

Background

  • Liver fibrosis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality with no current direct reversal treatments.
  • The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in liver disease progression and offers protective effects.
  • β-Caryophyllene (BCP) is a natural compound with potential therapeutic applications.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the protective effects of β-Caryophyllene (BCP) against Thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in Wistar rats.
  • To elucidate the role of CB2 receptors in mediating the protective effects of BCP.
  • To evaluate BCP's impact on oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrotic markers.

Main Methods

  • Liver fibrosis was induced in Wistar rats using Thioacetamide (TAA) injections over 8 weeks.
  • Rats were treated with β-Caryophyllene (BCP) orally, with some receiving AM630 to block CB2 receptors.
  • Assessed liver injury markers, antioxidant status (GSH, catalase, MDA), inflammatory cytokines, histological changes, and SIRT1/HIF-1α expression.

Main Results

  • BCP treatment protected against TAA-induced liver cell injury and enhanced antioxidant defenses by increasing GSH and catalase activity while reducing MDA.
  • BCP significantly mitigated the inflammatory response by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and preserved liver histology by reducing collagen deposition and myofibroblast activation.
  • BCP upregulated sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression, inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α); these effects were blocked by AM630, confirming CB2 receptor dependence.

Conclusions

  • β-Caryophyllene (BCP) demonstrates significant protective effects against liver fibrosis.
  • BCP's protective mechanisms involve CB2 receptor agonism, leading to reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis.
  • These findings suggest BCP holds potential as a preventative agent for liver fibrosis.

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