The in vitro and in vivo anti-hepatotoxic, anti-hepatitis B virus and hepatic CYP450 modulating potential of Cyperus rotundus

In the present study we investigated the hepatotoprotective, hepatitis B virus (HBV) inhibitory and hepatic CYP450 enzyme (CYP3A4) modulatory potential of Cyperus rotundus rhizome fractions. The crude ethanol-extract, including different organic and aqueous fractions were tested for in vitro cytoprotection on HepG2 cells (MTT assay), followed by in vivo evaluation in Wistar rats (serum biochemistry and lipid profile). The in vitro anti-HBV activity was tested on HepG2.2.15 cells (HBsAg and HBeAg Elisa). Of these, the n-butanol and aqueous fractions showed the most promising, dose-dependent hepatoprotection in DCFH-injured HepG2 cells. Further, in CCl(4)-injured rats, oral administration of C. rotundus (100 and 200 mg/kg·bw/day) significantly normalized serum markers of healthy liver function (SGOT, SGPT, GGT, ALP and bilirubin) and lipid profile (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, TG and MDA), including tissue NP-SH and TP levels. Compared to other fractions, the ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions exhibited the best inhibitory effects on viral HBsAg and HBeAg secretions in dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, reporter gene assay (Dual-luciferase) of transfected HepG2 cells showed mild activation of nuclear PXR-mediated CYP3A4 gene by the three active fractions. Taken together, C. rotundus showed very promising hepatoprotective and anti-HBV potential in experimental settings. In addition, this is the first report on modulation of CYP3A4 by C. rotundus that suggests its safe consumption in relation to drug metabolism and efficacy. Our data could therefore, provide the basis for the ethnobotanical medicinal use of C. rotundus in metabolic liver disorder and hepatitis B patients.