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.

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.