# Hepatoprotective effects of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. extract via free radical scavenger, inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation mechanisms in acetaminophen-induced liver injury

**Authors:** I Nyoman Ehrich Lister, Linda Chiuman, Maya Sari Mutia, Hartono Hartono, Ermi Girsang, Annisa Firdaus Sutendi, Hanna Sari Widya Kusuma, Dhanar Septyawan Hadiprasetyo, Wahyu Widowati

PMC · DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2025.82500.17833 · 2025-01-01

## TL;DR

This study shows that Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract protects liver cells from acetaminophen-induced damage by reducing inflammation and cell death.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the hepatoprotective effects of CXE via modulating inflammation and apoptosis in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.

## Key findings

- CXE reduced IL-1β and IL-6 levels, and attenuated NO levels in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.
- CXE suppressed Casp-9, Casp-3, JNK, and LDH expression in a concentration-dependent manner.
- CXE modulated immune responses and inhibited apoptotic and inflammatory pathways in liver cells.

## Abstract

Acetaminophen (APAP)-mediated liver injury poses a significant public health concern. Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract (CXE) has been traditionally used for its hepatoprotective properties. This research aimed to assess the hepatoprotective effects of CXE in APAP-mediated hepatotoxicity by investigating the modulatory effects of CXE on key biomarkers, including Interleukin (IL), namely, (IL-6), IL-10, IL-1β, Nitric Oxide (NO), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), and the genes expression related to apoptosis-like Caspase-3 (Casp-3), Casp-9, and genes related to liver metabolic c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK), in APAP-mediated HepG2 cells.

APAP-induced HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations of CXE. IL-6, IL-10, IL were measured using an Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and NO, LDH were measured using colorimetric assay. Gene expression was analyzed using quantitative Real-Time Reverse Transcription (qRT-PCR).

CXE significantly reduced IL-1β and IL-6 levels, enhanced IL-10 production, and attenuated NO levels in APAP-mediated hepatotoxicity. CXE also suppressed the expression of Casp-9, Casp-3, JNK, and LDH levels. The study presented a concentration-dependent response, with 125 μg/ml CXE exhibiting the most pronounced effects. CXE effectively modulated immune responses, decreased oxidative stress, and inhibited apoptotic and inflammatory pathways in APAP-mediated hepatotoxic cells.

These studies highlight the CXE potential as a therapeutic candidate for liver disorders, particularly in drug-mediated liver injury.

## Linked entities

- **Genes:** IL6 (interleukin 6) [NCBI Gene 3569], IL10 (interleukin 10) [NCBI Gene 3586], IL1B (interleukin 1 beta) [NCBI Gene 3553], CASP3 (caspase 3) [NCBI Gene 836], CASP9 (caspase 9) [NCBI Gene 842], MAPK8 (mitogen-activated protein kinase 8) [NCBI Gene 5599]
- **Chemicals:** acetaminophen (PubChem CID 1983), Nitric Oxide (PubChem CID 145068)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** IL10 (interleukin 10) [NCBI Gene 3586] {aka CSIF, GVHDS, IL-10, IL10A, TGIF}, CASP9 (caspase 9) [NCBI Gene 842] {aka APAF-3, APAF3, ICE-LAP6, MCH6, PPP1R56}, IL1A (interleukin 1 alpha) [NCBI Gene 3552] {aka IL-1 alpha, IL-1A, IL1, IL1-ALPHA, IL1F1}, CASP3 (caspase 3) [NCBI Gene 836] {aka CPP32, CPP32B, SCA-1}, MAPK8 (mitogen-activated protein kinase 8) [NCBI Gene 5599] {aka JNK, JNK-46, JNK1, JNK1A2, JNK21B1/2, PRKM8}, IL6 (interleukin 6) [NCBI Gene 3569] {aka BSF-2, BSF2, CDF, HGF, HSF, IFN-beta-2}
- **Diseases:** liver disorders (MESH:D017093), inflammation (MESH:D007249)
- **Chemicals:** APAP (MESH:D000082), CXE (-), NO (MESH:D009569), free radical (MESH:D005609)
- **Species:** Curcuma xanthorrhiza (temu lawak, species) [taxon 136222]
- **Cell lines:** HepG2 — Homo sapiens (Human), Hepatoblastoma, Cancer cell line (CVCL_0027)

## Figures

7 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12203822/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12203822