Hepatoprotective activity of 2-piperidone isolated from leaf extracts of Talinum portulacifolium (Forssk.) Asch. ex Schweinf in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity

Context: Liver disorders have become a common problem worldwide. The drugs available currently for the treatment are few with serious side effects. Since phytochemicals have proven to be potential therapeutic agents, an attempt has been made to screen novel hepatoprotective agents from the leaves of the medicinally ignored plant Talinum portulacifolium. Aims: To evaluate the phytoconstituents of Talinum portulacifolium responsible for hepatoprotective activity in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity models both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The hepatic damage was assessed in vitro by serum marker enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase followed by in vivo histopathological examination. Results: The results of the study indicate that the plant hydroalcoholic and acetone extracts at 500 mg/kg and compound 2-piperidone at 0.5 mg/kg exhibited equipotent results in the reduction of biochemical marker enzymes (p<0.01. p<0.05 and p<0.001) significantly compared to standard drug silymarin. The histopathological studies further supported that compound 2-piperidone showed better regeneration of damaged hepatocytes compared to standard. The possible mechanism of action may be due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 2E induced endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress. Conclusions: The present study reveals that the hepatoprotective activity of leaf hydroalcoholic and acetone extracts may be due to the presence of 2-piperidone. As it showed equipotent potential to standard drug silymarin, it can be further developed as a hepatoprotective drug.