Background: The use of natural hepatoprotective remedies represents an important path in modern phytotherapy. Objectives: In this context, our research aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition and the hepatoprotective and oxidative stress reduction potential of an Arctium tomentosum Mill. root extract. Methods: The phenolic profile of the tested extract, prepared by the subcritical fluid-assisted method were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by spectrophotometrical and HPLC/DAD/ESI methods. In vitro antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays. Hepatoprotective activity of the extract was assessed on a model of CCl₄ experimentally induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Results: Phytochemical assays revealed the presence of important polyphenols, such as chlorogenic acid (17.20 ± 0.65 μg/mL) and acacetin 7-O-glucoside (56.80 ± 1.66 μg/mL). In vitro, the tested extract exhibited a significant oxidative stress reduction capacity, while in vivo it showed a dose-dependent hepatoprotective effect indicated by an improvement in plasma proteins profile and down-regulation of plasma transaminase activity (ALAT, ASAT, GGT). In liver tissue, the extract partially restored the activity of GPx, CAT, and SOD and attenuated lipid peroxidation. The protective effect of the A. tomentosum root extract was supported by the alleviation of histological injuries of the liver (centrilobular necrosis, granulocytic infiltrate, and fibrosis). Conclusions: The A. tomentosum subcritical fluid-assisted root extract proved to be able to provide a significant hepatoprotective effect mainly through an antioxidant mechanism.

Since ancient times people around the world used medicinal plants for their therapeutic potential. Some studies of the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects of the extracts from plants of the genus Arctium have been conducted. The extracts obtained from these plants are considered safe with low toxicities; however, little is known about the toxicity of the Arctium tomentosum Mill. extract. Therefore, our work aimed to study the toxic effect of a carbon dioxide extract from the A. tomentosum Mill. root through MTT assay, acute, and sub-chronic toxicity studies. In the MTT assay, a low cytotoxic effect was observed at concentrations between 0.078 mg/mL and 0.001 mg/mL. The IC50 value – 0.091 mg/mL was determined through non-linear regression analysis. The acute toxicity test demonstrated that the LD50 is >5000 mg/kg and in the sub-chronic toxicity test, a dose of 200 mg/kg did not induce the toxic effect. In this way, the present study can serve as a base for the further investigation of the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects of the A. tomentosum Mill—root extract.

Nowadays, the metabolic disorder exists along with other pathological conditions, such as hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and gain of the excess abdominal fat. It has negative impact on human health, but especially the liver health. The present work was designed to study the liver supporting effect of ATE on mice with high-fructose and high-sucrose diet induced metabolic disorder. The study was conducted on mice, divided into following groups: NC; untreated MD; group with MD treated by ATE at the doses 50, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively. As a result, the liver supporting effect of ATE at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg was shown in the values of body weight, relative weight of the liver, kidneys and epidydimal fat. The same was observed in plasma biochemistry, in which groups treated with ATE showed normal levels of triglycerides, total and low-density cholesterol, ALT, AST. The treatment by 400 mg/kg ATE significantly inhibited the lipid accumulation and hepatocytes degeneration in the liver histological structure. In conclusion these findings provide the potential therapeutic usefulness into the effects of ATE in the treatment of metabolic disorder. Furthermore, it suggests that ATE has hepatoprotective effect which is conducted via its antioxidant properties.

Background/Objectives: Our work was designed to study the physicochemical properties, safety profile, pharmacokinetics, and prophylactic efficacy of an original iodine–dextrin-based pharmaceutical formulation (PA), both alone and in combination with azithromycin (AZ), in a murine model of LPS-induced sepsis. Methods/Results: UV–vis and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy confirmed the formation of a stable iodine–dextrin complex, with triiodide anions stabilized by hydrogen bonding and donor–acceptor interactions. No clinical signs of acute toxicity were observed at doses up to 5000 mg/kg, and subacute administration (62.5 and 125 mg/kg) showed no adverse effects on hematological or biochemical parameters. A mild, non-pathological enlargement of thyrocytes and parallel increases in TSH, T3, and T4 levels were observed at 125 mg/kg, consistent with physiological adaptation to iodine. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed high oral bioavailability (~92%), prolonged half-life (~21 h), and wide tissue distribution with low clearance. In the sepsis model, pretreatment with AZ+PA alleviated clinical symptoms, maintained body weight, and significantly improved hematological parameters, reducing WBCs and CRP levels. The combination also decreased plasma IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations more effectively than either agent alone, indicating a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect. Histological analysis confirmed that PA, particularly in combination with AZ, mitigated LPS-induced tissue injury in the liver, kidney, and lungs. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PA is a safe, bioavailable compound with immunomodulatory properties that enhance azithromycin’s protective effects during systemic inflammation. This supports its potential use as a prophylactic agent in clinical settings, such as preoperative immune modulation to prevent sepsis-related complications.

Anthropogenic impact on the environment, including, but not limited to water and soil contamination with oil and xenobiotics, causes cytotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects, and nowadays is considered the main negative factor of genetic alterations in living populations. In examinations of mutation processes in populations, inhabiting at ecologically unfavorable areas, high frequency of dominant mutations that alter normal growth inside uterus, causes development glitches in newborns, or even stillbirth. Such data is conditioned by direct dependence between the intensity of environmental pollution and impairment of ecologically effected genetic situation. Assessment of genotoxicity can be provided through specific tests, indicating degree of mutagenic effect and probability of its manifestation. Nevertheless, even living organisms, such as plants, suffering from environmental pollution, can produce chemical compounds that induce genotoxicity. Medicinal substances isolated from these plants are not exception as well. An attempt to provide analysis of genotoxicity implementation and importance of investigations performed in this field is presented in this paper.

A phytopreparation based on the CO₂ extract of Arctium tomentosum Mill. root (AT) was evaluated for its safety and anti-inflammatory potential in Swiss albino mice. Acute and 28-day subacute oral toxicity studies demonstrated that AT, at doses up to 5000 mg/kg (acute) and 400 mg/kg (subacute), did not induce mortality, clinical signs of toxicity, or adverse effects on body weight, relative organ weights, or hematological and biochemical parameters. Histopathological analyses confirmed preserved tissue architecture in major organs, indicating the absence of structural toxicity. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using xylene-induced ear edema and LPS-induced systemic inflammation models. AT significantly reduced ear edema and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, AT exhibited potent hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects, as reflected by the stabilization of ALT, AST, SCr, and BUN levels. Histological examination of inflamed tissues corroborated these findings. Overall, AT is well tolerated and demonstrates potent systemic anti-inflammatory and multi-organ protective properties, supporting its potential as a promising therapeutic candidate for inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions.