The orchid tree found to protect your liver

Researchers have found that the orchid tree (Bauhinia purpurea), a plant native to southern China and Southeast Asia, can be used to treat inflammatory diseases, including liver injury. The study, published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, looked at the hepatoprotective properties in the methanol extract of B. purpurea (MEBP) using a liver injury animal model.

• In the study, the team obtained different partitions from dried MEBP, including petroleum ether (PEBP), ethyl acetate (EABP), and aqueous partition (AQBP).
• The partitions were subjected to multiple in vitro assays to determine its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Rats were grouped to receive one partition from MEBP. Another group received silymarin and served as a positive control.
• After seven days, researchers administered paracetamol to rats to induce liver injury.
• Blood and liver samples were collected afterward for further examination, including biochemical parameter and histopathological studies.
• In addition, the partitions were subjected to phytochemical screening and HLPC analysis.
• The results indicated that EABP exhibited notable antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, while all partitions had low anti-inflammatory activity.
• A physicochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and saponins in the partitions.

Of all the partitions derived from MEBP, EABP offers the most protection against paracetamol-induced liver injury in rats.

Read the full text of the study at this link.

Find more herbs that protect the liver at Herbs.news.

Journal Reference:

Zakaria ZA, Yahya F, Mamat SS, Mahmood ND, Mohtarrudin N, Taher M, Hamid SSA, Teh LK, Salleh MZ. HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTION OF VARIOUS PARTITIONS OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF BAUHINIA PURPUREA LEAVES AGAINST PARACETAMOL-INDUCED LIVER TOXICITY: INVOLVEMENT OF THE ANTIOXIDANT MECHANISMS. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 11 June 2016;16(175). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1110-4