The Ethanolic Extract of <i>Stachys pilifera</i> Benth Attenuates Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in Rats

Abstract

Background: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which is associated with abnormal oxidative stress, hepatic inflammation, and ultimately malignant transformation of liver cells, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of an extract from Stachys pilifera Benth on oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control (7 mL/kg normal saline), Ethanol group [EtOH, 7 mL/kg of normal saline plus 7 mL/kg of 40% (v/v) alcohol], ethanol-Stachys pilifera Benth group [SP+EtOH, 400 mg/kg per day S. pilifera Benth plus 7 mL/kg of 40% (v/v) alcohol], and S. pilifera Benth group (400 mg/kg/day S. pilifera Benth plus 7 mL/kg of normal saline). Biochemical measurements, markers of oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme activities, and levels of inflammatory cytokines were evaluated after 35 days. Additionally, histological analysis and real-time quantitative PCR for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were performed. Statistical significance among groups was determined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The significance level was set at a P-value ≤ 0.05. Results: The findings indicated that S. pilifera Benth improved liver function by significantly increasing total protein (TP), while reducing total bilirubin (TBIL) and triglyceride (TG) levels. Furthermore, S. pilifera Benth treatment enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased ferric reducing ability of plasma, protein carbonyl (PCO) levels, and catalase (CAT) activity, thereby mitigating alcohol-induced oxidative stress. Stachys pilifera Benth significantly decreased the expression of TNF-α gene and the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and TNF-α in rats. It was also associated with reduced apoptosis, degeneration, lobular and portal inflammation, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that the protective impact of S. pilifera Benth against alcohol-induced liver damage is due to reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. These findings provide promising evidence supporting the use of S. pilifera Benth as a potential natural therapy for ALD.