EFFECT OF PICROLIV ON IMPAIRED HEPATIC MIXED-FUNCTION OXIDASE SYSTEM IN CARBON TETRACHLORIDE-INTOXICATED RATS

A drastic impairment in hepatic mixed-function oxidase (MFO) system wa s observed in rats 24 h following ip injection of CCl4 (1.0 ml/kg body weight), as indicated by a decrease in the activities of various micr osomal enzymes related to drug metabolism (e.g., aniline hydroxylase, aminopyrine-N-demethylase, benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase, NADH/NADPH cyto chrome c reductase, glutathione-s-transferase, cytochrome P-450, and c ytochrome b(5)) In addition, total protein and reduced glutathione con tent in liver were decreased, while a significant elevation in the lev el of lipid peroxides was observed. Hepatoprotection afforded by oral pretreatment of CCl4 intoxicated rats with multiple doses (6.0 mg/kg x 7 days) of Picroliv (standardized iridoid glycoside fraction, obtaine d from roots and rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa), was evidenced by a si gnificant improvement in the activities of various enzymes related to drug metabolism. Alterations in levels of total proteins, reduced glut athione, and lipid peroxides in liver were also significantly prevente d by Picroliv pretreatment. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.