Total flavonoids from Carthamus tinctorius L. inhibit the liver fibrosis progression via Hippo/YAP pathway

Liver fibrosis is a significant global health threat, and Carthamus tinctorius L., a traditional herb used for liver ailments, contains flavonoids with diverse pharmacological properties. This study explored the effects and mechanisms of total flavonoids from Carthamus tinctorius L. (TFCTL) on hepatic fibrosis in mice and TGF-β1-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Using LC-MS/MS, TFCTL's composition was characterized, and models of liver fibrosis in mice and HSC-T6 cell activation in vitro were established. Techniques such as CCK-8, Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence revealed that TFCTL inhibited HSC-T6 activation and proliferation by promoting YAP phosphorylation and degradation via increased MST1 and LATS1 expression, suppressing Hippo pathway target genes. TFCTL also improved liver fibrosis pathology in mice, primarily through the Hippo/YAP pathway. These results underscore the anti-fibrotic potential of TFCTL, establishing it as a highly promising candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis.