Abstract
In the present study, the potential hepatoprotective effects of poly herbal formulation, Hepa-1000, against oxidative damages induced by t-BHP were evaluated in HepG2 cells in order to relate in vitro antioxidant activity with cytoprotective effects. The t-BHP induced considerable cell damage in HepG2 cells was shown by significant glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, and increased lipid peroxidation. Hepa-1000-treated cells showed an increased resistance to oxidative challenge, as revealed by higher survival capacity than the one of control cells against t-BHP induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity. In addition, the Hepa-1000 had hepatoprotective effects lowering the activity of GOT and LDH, simultaneously. That is, it could inhibit the cell membrane damages resulting in the increased activities of GOT and LDH in the cell culture media. Furthermore, the Hepa-1000 could reduce t-BHP enhanced lipid peroxidation, which was evaluated by measuring the production of malonedialdehyde. Based on the data described above, it could be suggested that the Hepa-1000 has significant hepatoprotective effects and plays a protective role against lipid peroxidation by free radicals.