Hepatoprotective Activity of Caesalpinia pulcherrima Extract against Paracetamol-induced Cytotoxicity: An In vitro Investigation
Anusree Raha, Anindya Bagchi, Priyanka Dash, Chandan Das, Vineet Kumar Rai, Jitu Halder, Rakesh Kumar Sahoo, Tushar Kanti Rajwar, Biswakanth Kar, Goutam Ghosh, Goutam Rath, Debajyoti DasIntroduction and Aim:
The study aimed to explore the hepatoprotective potential of the methanolic extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima L. (MECP) using the paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity model in HepGⁿ cells.
Methods:
The MECP was analysed by GC-MS to identify its major components. In silico studies were performed using pro-inflammatory markers, including IL-6 and TNF-α. Pre-treated HepG2 cells (6.25-100 μg/mL) were exposed to paracetamol (40 mM, 12 h) after 24 hours. LDH, oxidative markers (SOD, GPx, GSH, MDA) were quantified, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) were measured after MECP treatment. Cellular morphology was analysed by fluorescence microscopy to assess the effect of MECP on cell growth.
Results:
GC-MS spectra showed the presence of 167 compounds in the MECP extract. An insilico study identified thymol and catechol as potent molecules with promising binding to IL-6 and TNF-α, supporting the traditional claim that C. pulcherrima is an anti-inflammatory compound effective in liver disorders. Paracetamol exposure significantly elevated LDH release, MDA levels, and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, while markedly reducing antioxidant defences, SOD, GPx, and GSH.
Discussion:
Pre-treatment with MECP showed restoration of the levels of these parameters toward normal in a dose-dependent manner. The 100 μg/mL MECP showed significant reductions in LDH, MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6. Microscopic characteristics confirmed cellular regeneration comparable to the control group. Thymol and catechol exhibited strong binding with IL-6 and TNF-α, suggesting their involvement in MECP’s hepatoprotective effect.
Conclusion:
These results support its traditional use in liver disorders and highlight its potential as a natural hepatoprotective agent.