Hepatoprotective Activity of Flourensia cernua and Its Impact on Aerobic Gut Microbiota in a Valproic Acid-Induced Injury Model in Wistar Rats

TL;DR

This study shows that Flourensia cernua protects the liver and helps restore gut bacteria in rats with valproic acid-induced liver damage.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the hepatoprotective and gut microbiota-restoring effects of Flourensia cernua in a rat model.

Findings

The 400 mg/kg dose of Flourensia cernua significantly reduced liver enzyme levels similar to silybinin.

Flourensia cernua at 400 mg/kg restored aerobic gut microbiota comparable to silybinin.

Flourensia cernua showed no histological liver damage in treated rats.

Abstract

Liver disease represents a major global health issue, with limited availability of effective hepatoprotective treatments. Hojasé or hojasén or Flourensia cernua (Fc) is known for its antioxidant properties and high phenolic content and may exhibit a potential hepatoprotective effect. Additionally, natural products have been shown to restore gut microbiota and reduce liver inflammation. To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Fc and its impact on gut microbiota in a valproic acid (VPA)-induced injury model in Wistar rats. Seven groups of Wistar rats (n = 6) were treated as follows: Sham; Non-toxic Fc (NTox 200 and 400 mg/kg); VPA 500 mg/kg; VPA + Fc 200 and VPA + Fc 400; and silybinin 500 mg/kg (VPA + Slb). Liver function tests, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) markers, aerobic gut microbiota analysis, and histological analysis were conducted. No significant differences were observed in ALT and AST levels between NTox 200, NTox 400, and Sham. Only the 400 mg/kg dose of Fc significantly reduced ALT and AST versus VPA, similar to Slb. In VPA + Fc 200 and VPA + Fc 400, MDA and SOD decreased versus VPA, comparable to VPA + Slb. Only VPA + Fc 400 and VPA + Slb restored aerobic gut microbiota versus VPA. No histological changes were observed between groups. Fc extract demonstrated hepatoprotective effects at a dose of 400 mg/kg and impacted the restoration of aerobic gut microbiota against VPA-induced damage.

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