Sage Reduces Liver Damage and Inflammation from Chemotherapy

Jenn Hoskins
10th June, 2024

Sage Reduces Liver Damage and Inflammation from Chemotherapy

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Minia University studied the effects of sage extract (ESOE) on liver damage caused by the chemotherapy drug Cisplatin in rats
  • Cisplatin caused significant liver damage, including increased liver enzymes, oxidative stress, and inflammation
  • Pretreatment with ESOE improved liver health by reducing enzyme levels, oxidative stress, and inflammation, showing its potential as a protective agent during chemotherapy
Cisplatin (Cis) is a powerful chemotherapeutic drug used to treat various cancers, including bladder, head and neck, lung, ovarian, and testicular cancers. Despite its effectiveness, Cisplatin is associated with significant side effects, such as nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity, which limit its clinical use[2]. To address these adverse effects, researchers are exploring natural compounds with protective properties. A recent study by researchers at Minia University investigated whether an ethanolic extract of Salvia officinalis L. (ESOE), commonly known as sage, could mitigate Cis-induced hepatotoxicity in an experimental rat model[1]. Salvia officinalis L. is a medicinal herb known for its diverse pharmacological properties, including hepatoprotection. The study aimed to assess the protective effects of ESOE against liver damage caused by Cisplatin. The researchers prepared the ESOE using standard extraction techniques and identified its chemical constituents through UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids, which are known for their therapeutic effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the study, adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: control, ESOE (250 mg/kg), Cis (7.5 mg/kg), and ESOE (250 mg/kg) + Cis (7.5 mg/kg). The treatment lasted 21 days, with Cisplatin administered on the 22nd day. Blood and liver samples were collected 24 hours after Cis administration for analysis. The results showed that Cisplatin induced hepatotoxicity, evidenced by alterations in hematological parameters, elevated serum levels of liver enzymes (ALT, LDH, AST, ALP, and GGT), increased hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and Nitric oxide (NO) levels, and decreased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH). Histopathological changes in liver tissue, characterized by necrosis and inflammation, were also observed. Additionally, Cis treatment led to elevated levels of oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines, such as 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), TNF-α, and IL-6. Remarkably, pretreatment with ESOE ameliorated these Cis-induced hepatotoxic effects. The ESOE improved hematological parameters, reduced liver enzyme activities, alleviated oxidative stress, and ameliorated histopathological alterations. The hepatoprotective effects of ESOE were attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent in mitigating chemotherapy-associated hepatotoxicity. This study aligns with earlier findings that have explored the protective effects of natural compounds against Cisplatin-induced toxicity. For instance, a study on CV247, a mixture of copper and manganese gluconates, vitamin C, and sodium salicylate, demonstrated its ability to reduce Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity through antioxidant effects[3]. Similarly, Molsidomine (MOL), a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, was shown to protect against Cisplatin-induced liver toxicity by scavenging free radicals and reducing inflammation[4]. These studies collectively underscore the potential of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents in mitigating the adverse effects of Cisplatin. The current study by Minia University expands on these findings by specifically focusing on the hepatoprotective effects of Salvia officinalis L. The researchers demonstrated that the bioactive compounds in ESOE could counteract the oxidative stress and inflammation induced by Cisplatin, thereby protecting liver tissue from damage. This research provides a promising avenue for developing natural therapeutic agents to enhance the safety and efficacy of chemotherapy treatments. In conclusion, the study highlights the potential of Salvia officinalis L. extract as a natural protective agent against Cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. By improving hematological parameters, reducing liver enzyme activities, alleviating oxidative stress, and ameliorating histopathological alterations, ESOE shows promise in mitigating the adverse effects of chemotherapy. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of natural compounds to enhance the therapeutic index of chemotherapeutic agents.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Mitigation of Cisplatin-Induced Hepatotoxicity by Salvia officinalis: Attenuation of Oxidative Damage and Inflammation in Rats.

Published 7th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.06.005

Related Studies

2) Cisplatin in cancer therapy: molecular mechanisms of action.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.07.025

3) Protective effect of CV247 against cisplatin nephrotoxicity in rats.

https://doi.org/10.1177/0960327113480972

4) Molsidomine prevents cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arcmed.2013.09.013


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