Hepatoprotective Activity of Cistanche tubulosa

The traditional uses of Cistanche have evolved over nearly 2,000 years. Cistanche is utilized in formulas mainly for tonifying the kidney and used for disorders associated with aging and decline of kidney essence. The whole plant of Cistanche tubulosa is used medically as a remedy for diarrhea. Cistanche was reported to increase the antioxidative action in vivo significantly and prevent lipoperoxidative damages in tissues (1). Both aqueous and 70% alcoholic extract of Cistanche tubulosa have been prepared in the laboratory as per pharmacoepial methods and before proceeding to preclinical studies for hepatoprotective activity the safety evaluation and biochemical profile have been performed. The single oral dose of the test substance (4470, 4869, 5308 & 6400mg/kg, p.o.) did not produce any adverse effect in the general behavior and gross appearance of mice. The drug did not show any sign of salvation, nasal discharge, diarrhea or constipation, loss of righting reflex, lacrimation and tremors. In gross behavioral studies, the plant extract did not produce any abnormal signs and symptoms or death during the observation time, at the dose tested. The LD 50 was assumed to be >6.4g/kg. The plant extract administration at the dose of 1g/kg b.w., daily, for 15 days (in situ) serum biochemical changes were quantified for Blood Urea nitrogen, Creatinin, Total protein, Albumin, Total Bilirubin, Alkaline phosphatase, Aspartate aminotransferase and Alanine transaminase produced no significant change in any of the parameters as compared to the control values. The animals given daily treatment orally for 5 days and then treated with CCl₄ (1:3 in sesame oil) ml.kg/kg p.o. except the group given sesame oil 2.0ml/Kg, pod. The serum was analyzed for TBIL, CHOL, LDH, AST and ALT. The liver weight was also calculated according the body weight. It showed TBIL, LDH, AST, ALT and liver weight was increased significantly, while the level of CHOL in serum was decreased. It is showed the LDH level was inhibited. No significant change in liver enzymes was recorded. The chemistry of Cistanche tubulosa will also be discussed.

Effect of Cistanche on liver enzymes level(CCl4 hepatotoxicity induced in rats)

Acknowledgements: Thanks are due to ZCHRTM & HAAD, for providing facilities.

References: [1] Wang X, Li L, et al. (1998) Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi, 23: 554–555.