Comparative hepatoprotective and molecular insights into phenolic compounds from Asparagus taxa
South African Journal of Botany, cilt.193, ss.88-98, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 193
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.04.006
- Dergi Adı: South African Journal of Botany
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Geobase, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.88-98
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Asparagus, Caffeic acid, Hepatoprotective activity, HPLC, In silico, Rutin
- Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Asparagus L. (Asparagaceae) comprises medicinally important taxa rich in phenolic compounds and traditionally used for inflammatory and hepatobiliary disorders. The present study comparatively evaluated the hepatoprotective potential of hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from the aerial parts and roots of Asparagus acutifolius, Asparagus aphyllus subsp. orientalis, Asparagus officinalis, and Asparagus verticillatus using a CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity model in rats. Phytochemical profiling by HPLC-DAD revealed rutin predominantly in aerial parts, while caffeic acid was detected in both aerial and root extracts. In vivo assessments demonstrated significant differences among treatment groups (p < 0.05). The lowest serum ALT levels were observed in rats treated with A. officinalis root extract (200 mg/kg), whereas A. aphyllus subsp. orientalis root extract (100 mg/kg) produced the lowest AST levels. Both treatments significantly reduced serum transaminase levels compared with the CCl₄ control group, indicating attenuation of hepatocellular injury. Histopathological evaluation did not reveal statistically significant differences among groups. To elucidate potential molecular mechanisms, in silico analyses were conducted for rutin and caffeic acid. Rutin showed a higher predicted probability of hepatoprotective activity (Pa = 0.968) compared with caffeic acid (Pa = 0.461), with strong predicted antioxidant and lipid peroxidation inhibitory properties. Target and gene interaction analyses supported modulation of oxidative stress–related pathways. Collectively, these findings suggest that phenolic constituents, particularly rutin, may contribute to the hepatoprotective effects of selected Asparagus taxa.