Justicia carnea Extract Mitigates TNBS-Induced Liver Inflammation by Ameliorating Oxidative Stress, Improving Liver Function Indices and Normalizing NF-κB/Caspase 3 Expression
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Abstract
The anti-inflammatory and hepato-protective properties of Justicia carnea (JUC) leaf extract and its impact on NF-κB and caspase 3 expression in the liver of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced mice were assessed. Animals were divided into seven groups: Group A – Normal Control (Distilled water 10 ml/kg); Group B– TNBS (negative control); Group C – TNBS + Sulfide saline (500mg/kg orally) (Positive control); Group D – TNBS + (JUC) (200 mg/kg orally); Group E – TNBS + JUC (400 mg/kg orally); Group F – TNBS + Gel of JUC (200 mg/kg rectally) and Group G - TNBS + Gel of JUC (400mg/kg rectally). Across all groups, there was a statistically significant difference in Interleukin 6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha, respectively, when equated to the negative control group. Comparing the negative control group to the neutral control, positive control, and all groups treated with J. carnea extract, the study observed a significant increase in Nitric Oxide levels and lipid peroxidation with a corresponding decrease in Glutathione (GSH), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Catalase (CAT) levels/activity. After TNBS exposure AST, ALT, and ALP activities were significantly raised, whereas ALB and TP were dramatically decreased in comparison to the neutral and positive control groups. However, when mice exposed to TNBS were given different dosages of J. carnea, a notable improvement was seen. In addition, J. carnea leaf extract-treated TNBS-induced rats demonstrated a substantial reduction in hepatic caspase-3 and NF-κB levels. The study offers strong support for the hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory qualities of J. carnea.
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