Phytochemical Analysis and Hepatoprotective Activity of Algerian Santolina chamaecyparissus L. Extracts

Aims: This study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Santolina chamaecyparissusaqueous and ethanol extracts against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Methodology: Phytochemical analysis of Santolina chamaecyparissus aqueous and ethanol extracts was conducted, and then the hepatoprotective activity of these extracts was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats by assessing serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase alkaline phosphatasen, lactate dehydrogenase activities and assessing catalase, superoxide dismutase and malonaldialdehyde in liver. Total bilirubin, cholesterol and triglycerides were also determined. Moreover, hepatic tissue damage was verified.

Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids in aqueous and ethanol extracts of Santolina chamaecyparissus leaves. Both extracts contain chlorogenic acid as significant constituent (1958.21, 2726.57 mg/kg of extract, respectively), while apigenin-7-glycoside was detected as the significant flavonoid (42.44, 66.63 mg/kg of extract, respectively). The intra-peritoneal administration of CCl4to rats induced remarkable hepatotoxicity by increasing hepatic damage. However, oral administration of both extracts at 30, 150 and 300 mg/kg during 7 days significantly prevented liver injury by decreasing aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. Total bilirubin, cholesterol, triglyceride and malondialdehyde were also decreased, while superoxide dismutase activity was restored. On the other hand, aqueous and ethanol extracts protected liver tissue against steatosis and hepatocytic necrosis. The hepatoprotective effect of both extracts was similar to that of 100 mg/kg of silymarin, used as a reference.

Conclusion: The present study revealed that Santolina chamaecyparissus aqueous and ethanol extracts are rich in phenolic compounds and exhibit hepatoprotective activity, so they can constitute a promising natural source to develop novel therapeutic drugs for treating liver disorders.