ROLE OF NITRIC OXIDE, IL-6, TNF-? AND PROSTAGLANDINS IN HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ILLICIUM VERUM ESSENTIAL OIL

The present study investigated the role of inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins and nitric oxide in hepatoprotective effect of Illicium verum (I. verum) essential oil in CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. The levels of LFTs, SOD, CAT, nitric oxide, total protein contents, and inflammatory markers such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, lipid peroxidation and COX-2 were determined. Plasma proteins, blood lipid profile and liver biomarkers were estimated. GC/MS analysis of essential oil was carried out. Pre-treatment with I. verum enhanced SOD, CAT and plasma proteins levels while a reduction in LFTs, NO, TNF-alpha, IL-6, lipid peroxidation, COX-2 and blood lipid profile was observed in CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. Histopathological studies supported the biochemical findings. GC/MS showed the presence of trans-anethole (97.485%) along with other anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents. Thus, I. verum presented hepatoprotective potential via down-regulation of inflammatory mediators and up-regulation of anti-oxidant enzymes.