Hepatoprotective effects of Turkish folk remedies on experimental liver injury

Seven plants which are used in Turkish folk medicine were studied for possi ble hepatoprotective effects. These plants are Carduus acanthoides and C. n utans (Asteraceae), Cichorium intybus (Asteraceae), Fumaria asepalae and F. vailantii (Fumariaceae), Gentiana olivieri (Gentianaceae) and Plantago lan ceolata (Plantaginaceae). Stems, bracts and receptaculum of Cynara scolymus were used as natural reference drugs. Effects of the ethanolic extracts we re studied using the carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity model in r ats. The extracts of F. vailantii and G. olivieri significantly prevented t he elevation of plasma and hepatic malondialdehyde formation (evidence of l ipid peroxidation) as well as enzyme levels (AST and ALT) in acute liver in jury, which might be ascribed to their potent hepatoprotective activity. Li ver sections were also studied histopathologically to confirm the biochemic al results. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.